And it hits something ugly in me.
Taewon keeps going, relentless. “You think we don’t know what you’re doing? Trying to salvage from the fuck upyoucreated?”
“I didn’t—”
“You did. You’ve always done just enough to stay in orbit. Just enough to get what you need. Until you find another rich bastard to bankroll your next career step.”
“Taewon,” Levi snaps.
But he isn’t finished.
“If you don’t fucking back off from this account, I’ll make sure youneverget that research wing—anywhere. But then again… I’m sure you’ll find another sap to scrape off.”
Iris’s face drains of color. Shock radiated off her in waves. And something in me—something raw and sharp and deeply buried—cracks wide open.
Because I know that look. I know that hollow like it’s my own. I know what it feels like to be stepped on. Reduced to something you violently disagreed with.
I untangle myself from Levi’s arm, step forward, hand raised—and smack the back of Taewon’s head,hard.
EIGHTEEN
Levi
Well, that’s one way to do it.
I’d been trying to shut him up for a good minute but nothing was working. I could feel Cece tense up in my arms. I even tried to gently push her toward the exit but she wouldn’t move. Her whole frame was frozen, feet rooted to the floor—unfocused eyes blankly watching Taewon verbally eviscerate Iris.
There was a moment where I felt like Cece would start panicking. The calmness in her face was eerily reminiscent of the night she’d had her sensory episode. Which was why I really needed Taewon to stop talking since Cece refused to move.
But now I’m struggling to keep my face impassive, swallowing the snort itching my throat. Replaying the moment Taewon’s head jerked forward with Cece’s uncharacteristic slap.
“Shib—Noona!”
Rolling my lips inward I rid my face of any remnants of even a smile. Taewon’s face loses all color. I know he expectedmeto bring his stupid rant to an end.
But I almost want to high-five Cece for choosing a rather… effective method. Better than mine, of course.
“Stop talking,” she mumbles, frowning at the wall behind him. Then she slowly turns toward Iris. “I appreciate your apology, Ms. Desmond.”
But Iris isn’t looking at Cece. Her horrified gaze is still locked on Taewon. Her shoulders shaking with ragged breaths.
Suddenly her frame stiffens and she exhales sharply—visibly trying to get control of her emotions.
“Thank you, Ms. Wentworth. I wanted to make sure you know that I’ve… withdrawn from the Astor-Wentworth account.” She spares me a determined glance and I frown in confusion. “I received confirmation from Grace Miller just a few minutes ago and she has assigned Jude Gallagher—another senior consultant. He’s done plenty of high profile mergers—”
I chance a look at Taewon who’s now glaring at his shoes, hands on his hips.
“—you’ll be in great hands.”
Cece nods politely, maybe even numbly. “I… that sounds good.”
But I can see the exhaustion taking over her body. She needs silence… now.
I clear my throat. “Thank you for your support in all this, Ms. Desmond.”
Even as I say it, my focus is fully on Cece. But she’s no longer reacting. The panic from beforerebuilds in my throat. I need to get us out of here—in the quietude of my apartment.
Iris nods at me stiffly and I can see her jaw working to control whatever is brewing behind those blazed eyes that keep darting over to Taewon. But I can’t seem to care right now.
