OLIVIA
I don't let Mike get another step toward that door. Not until I've tried everything.
"Think about it," I say, keeping my tone calm, coaxing, even though my chest feels like it's going to split open. "Winter would've been working at Valcour if you hadn't given her spot to me."
His hand lingers on the doorknob, but he doesn't turn it. His jaw works, tight, and I know I've hit something.
I press forward, quick, before the silence can strangle me. "Look, the plan hasn't changed. We came here to win this. To take the money, enjoy ourselves, build something bigger. So why don't you just… add her into it? If you win, you give her the job. That's better than anything she's chasing right now, isn't it?"
He doesn't answer, but his brows pull together. He's listening.
I lea
