Chapter 57

Emily looks like she’s about to explode. Ryan can see her clenching and unclenching her fists. Then she says, “Probably because I’m Ryan’s secretary?” “A secretary who was on her lunch break.” Emily lets out a humorless laugh. “Being on my lunch break doesn’t make me any less his secretary.” Ryan rubs his temples as if the mere presence of both women in the same room is giving him a headache. “Can you both stop? I’m going through enough as it is. I don’t need two women clawing each other’s eyes out in my office.” “Great,” Emily says. “I was just about to go.” “Oh, no, you’re not,” Adeline interjects. “I don’t trust whatever this is. I don’t trust you. If there’s something going on, now would be an excellent time to start talking.” Emily opens her mouth to retort, but Ryan has had enough. He stands abruptly, grabbing his jacket and briefcase with a sharp, determined motion. “Let’s go.” He strides toward Emily, nodding to the door. “I’ve had enough of my mother for one day.” “It’s still