I didn't cry. Damien probably would have preferred it if I had. Then he could have frowned and handed me a tissue, told me to calm down, and let the whole thing quietly pass.
Instead, I put the sketchbook into a zip-lock evidence bag and placed it in my bag.
Jade was still sniffling. "Ellie, you're scaring me."
I looked at her. "Good."
Damien's brow darkened. "Ellie."
"Mr. Whitmore," I said, "I won't be coming into the studio starting tomorrow."
"Is this another threat to walk out?"
"It's not a threat." I unclipped my badge and set it on the table. "It's a notice."
He stared at the badge, and for the first time something close to impatience surfaced in his eyes. "The project isn't finished. You don't have the right to leave."
"The contract is clear. I'm a guest designer, not a Whi
