Julian stepped from behind a pillar in the underground garage as I approached my car. My keys dug into my palm before I recognized him.
He had not shaved in days. Stale coffee clung to his clothes.
"Serena, wait." He raised both hands.
I stopped several steps from the car and kept the keys in my fist.
"I saw them take her. It's over. I pushed her out. For you. For us."
"You stood by the elevators."
"I was blind, Serena. She poisoned everything. I was wrong to doubt you." He edged closer. "Apex can't survive the lawsuit. Please drop the infringement case. I'll do anything. Name your price."
He watched my face, waiting for a number. His hands stayed open, ready to agree before he heard what the price would be.
"Anything?"
He nodded. "Anything. I swear."
I named my price.
"All righ
