Elena’s resignation email didn’t even make it to HR.
It bounced back.
Denied.
She stared at her screen.
For a long moment.
Then slowly exhaled. “Of course.”
A knock hit her office door.
Not polite.
Not optional.
Alessandro walked in like he owned the oxygen in the room.
He didn’t sit.
Didn’t smile.
Just looked at her.
“You tried to quit,” he said.
“I didn’t try. I did.”
“No,” he replied calmly. “You attempted. There’s a difference.”
That made her sit up straighter.
“What did you do?”
His expression didn’t change.
“I stopped it.”
Elena blinked. “You what?”
He shrugged slightly. “You signed a contract. You don’t just walk out when you feel emotional.”
Her jaw tightened instantly.
“This isn’t about emotion.”
“Bullshit,” he said immediately.
That word landed sharp in t
