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Chapter 40: Emily's Breaking Point
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2024-11-14 08:40:34Emily's POV
I returned to my office, the door closing with a soft click behind me. The quiet enveloped me, but it did little to calm the storm swirling inside. My fingers brushed the edge of my phone, still in my hand. I glanced at the screen, debating whether I should check the endless stream of emails or just bury myself in work. But the weight of Vivian’s words—her casual declaration that she was engaged to Adrian Blackwood—pressed on me like a weight I couldn’t shake off.
I dialed Claire’s number quickly, not bothering to wait for it to ring long before I spoke.
"Hey, just checking in. You get home safe?" My tone was clipped, colder than I intended, but I couldn't help it. The anger and confusion still simmered beneath the surface, and I didn't want to deal with small talk right now.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Claire replied, her voice light and unconcerned. "I made it home just fine, don’t worry."
I let out a breath, trying to rein in my emotions. I wa
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