Page 116 of Sweet Heart

“Yes, ma’am,” a broad-shouldered dark guy replies, his lips pulled into a cocky grin.

“You might have a rock-star name, James, but you will not have a matching attitude in my bay,” I say sharply, and I pin him down with my gaze.

“Yes, sorry, Doctor,” he relents as his grin falters.

“Alexandra Wu?”

She doesn’t say a single word, just those lips ticking up a little further. I know she is testing me, my boundaries, and my assertiveness. She always had a way of spiking my nervous system, and even after all these years, I feel the anxiety flood my system. But I don’t say another word. My eyes remain on hers, much steadier than I feel on the inside, until she yields.

“It’s good to see you again, too, Cat.”

Carmen inhales sharply next to me, and I can feel her vibrating with anger. Much to my surprise, she remains just as quiet as me, though, making me proud.

The muscle in my jaw rolls, but I don’t respond. I just move on to the next person on the list.

“Savannah O’Neill?”

“Mister Abbott, a word,” I say sharply as I corner Daniel in the hallway.

He quirks an eyebrow but looks at me with an amused smile.

“Doctor Durand, how lovely to see you. How is Mary?”

Fucker.

“Why was I not consulted on the recruitment of Doctor Wu?”

“Straight to the point, hm? I always liked that about you.”

I blink. He likes something about me, other than my connection to Mary? I press my lips together and frown, meeting his eyes. They are sparkling with something akin to mischief, and he takes his time to make sure I see it. Then he nods once, as if satisfied with the result. Does he… want me to like him?

“You were informed,” he states calmly and then moves past me.

I stay frozen to the spot, staring blankly out the full-length window in front of me. I was informed? ¡Joder! It must have been decided during the ethics investigation. Of course he didn’t consult me. Recruitment must have CC’d me on a notification that I missed. I can’t believe this is happening.

“¿Qué vas a hacer, Katherina?” I murmur softly to myself. What am I going to do?

I somehow make my way back to my office, listening to the clicking of my heels. The rhythmic sound usually gives me a sense of strength, of empowerment, but today, it is the only thing grounding me. My heart is slamming against my ribs as if I drank five cups of coffee too many, and my palms are sweaty. What am I going to do?

I’ve only just closed the door when it flies open again, and Carmen storms inside without any regard for privacy or professionalism. She slams it shut behind her, and I wince at the loud sound.

“Katherina, what the actual fuck is happening?” she pants, her face contorted in a deep frown. “What the fuck is that puta doing here?”

“Carmen—”

“Ay, que no, Cat. Don’t Carmen me. Did you know she was coming?”

“Do I fucking look like I knew?”

Her expression softens, and she takes a deep breath. Her hands tremble at her sides, but she slowly uncurls her fingers now.

“Now what?”

“I… I don’t know,” I stammer, and her expression turns worried.

It doesn’t happen often that I don’t know what to do, but apparently, being suddenly confronted by my cruel ex-girlfriend in the workplace does the trick.

“Will you tell Mary?”