His expression didn't change as he said. "You have built a career powerful enough to make board members nervous."
"Ethan—"
"You walked into Cole Group and outperformed people who've spent decades there."
I hated that he sounded proud, hated that a small part of me liked it.
"You raised Fabian alone."
His voice grew quieter. "You survived things I can't even imagine."
Something inside me trembled. "Amara, you're stronger than almost everyone I know."
The words hit a part of the fence I erected around my heart because nobody ever said things like that to me.
Not while I was growing up or in college; especially not during those long nights working two jobs while caring for a baby.
I swallowed hard. "You don't understand."
His gaze softened. "Then help me understand."
He moved close
