Vicky nodded seriously. “The second John walked into your office, I called Ryan and told him everything.”
So that’s why Ryan just happened to show up. Suddenly, everything clicked into place.
Before I could think too much about it, my computer pinged with a new message on our company chat. It was from Ryan: Ms. Greenwood, the company is giving you the biggest, cleanest stage to do your thing. Don’t hold back. If anything comes up that you can’t handle, just let me know.
I was halfway through typing a thank you when my phone rang with an unknown number.
Random calls during work weren’t unusual, so I just answered. “Hello?”
A voice came through—one that was both familiar and a little strange, laced with a soft, easy laugh. “Avery, I guess you really have forgotten me after all these years. You don’t recognize my voice, or my number. Let me help—it’s Jeffery.”
Jeffery. Of course.
“Sorry, I really didn’t recognize you. What’s up?” I kept my tone polite, but distant.
Last night, I’d been too wrapped up in my own mess to remember what Kailynn had said, let alone reply.
Jeffery’s voice changed, dropping the playfulness. He sounded serious—almost heavy. “Avery, I just want to help you. If you need anything, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
That felt like too much.
Whatever was between us, it wasn’t enough for him to go to any lengths for me.
Let’s be honest—if he really wanted to help, he would’ve just given me his lawyer’s number. Instead, he kept circling around, waiting for me to say the words.
His help always came with a price.
The moment I admitted I needed him and he actually did something, I’d owe him—whether it worked out or not.
“Thanks, Jeffery. If I ever need it, I’ll reach out.”
He paused, then sighed. “Avery, when did you get so stubborn? When did we get so distant? You’ve got an easier way right in front of you, but you insist on doing it the hard way. Fine. I’ll wait for your call.”

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