Chapter 52: Giving In

I'm not sure how to bring it up with Eden. I don't want it to appear like I'm just giving in and doing what she wants. That's not what's happening here. In fact, my actions have absolutely nothing to do with her concerns or our conversation yesterday. I'm only doing this because of that email. If I hadn't received it, I definitely wouldn't be doing this.

Even as I think it, I find myself doubting myself. I'm not convinced I'd have been able to keep refusing her. No matter how I word this, she's going to think she's won. And maybe she has.

"Eden," I call her into my office with reluctance. She'd say I'm being stubborn.

"Sir?" It grates. I thought she'd finally gotten out of that particular habit.

"Noah," I retort.

"Sorry, Noah." She at least has the sense to look sorry.

"Come sit down," I tell her. "I've just received an email."

Even I can hear the aversion in my tone. This is clearly a conversation I don't want to have but really it's just a matter of pride. I should just let it go.

"O