Laurella clung to Calum’s hand because if she didn’t, she might run screaming down the street instead of stepping through the double doors that led into Necron’s office building. Although Calum assured her no one there knew what had happened, she couldn’t help wondering if every nod in her direction or every furtive glance was because the office gossip train was in full flow. That’s her, the victim, she imagined them saying.

Well, she wasn’t a victim. Not then. Not now. Not ever.

“You’re trembling,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Where’s my tenacious, headstrong woman?”

She gave him a tight smile. “In Italy.”

Calum brushed a kiss to her temple. “To everyone here, you went home because your father was sick. It also happens to be the truth.”

“But what about Zane? What did he say about my resignation? What will he say about Vorino?”

Calum shook his head. “Stop worrying. I told Zane it was a reaction because you were in shock about your father. He understands. And Cole assured me Vorino’s out of here. When Zane shares that piece of news, just act surprised.”

She gnawed at her bottom lip, only stopping when the metallic taste of blood flooded her tongue. “Okay,” she said, her voice so small she barely recognized it.

Calum strode down the corridor toward Zane’s office, nodding curtly at a couple of staff members who walked past. Laurella almost had to jog to keep up with him. He paused outside Zane’s office and raised his hand to knock.

“Ready?”

“Not in the least,” she replied, drawing a wide smile from him.

He rapped once on the door and entered.

“Hey, you’re back,” Zane said, getting to his feet and walking around his desk. He shook Calum’s hand, followed by Laurella’s. “How’s your father?”

She smiled. “He’s doing well, thank you. He’ll need to rest and do as his doctor tells him, but as long as he’s sensible, they think he’ll make a full recovery.”

“That’s great. I’m so glad you decided to come back.” Zane waved at the chairs in front of his desk. “You’re just in time, actually. Brad Novak is on his way over. He should be here any minute.”

A bolt of fear rushed through Laurella, and her face heated, but Zane didn’t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary.

“Why?” Calum asked casually.

“He’s taking me to lunch. And you know me. Never one to pass up a free meal.”

Calum pulled a face. “How did he sound?”

Zane frowned. “Fine. Same old Brad. Why wouldn’t he be?”

Before Calum could respond, there was a brief knock at the door. Ellie poked her head inside. “Brad Novak’s here, Zane. Do you want me to show him in?”

“Please,” he said, rising from his chair once more.

Laurella clenched her hands into tight fists when Brad came into the room. She risked a glance at his face. Impassive, businesslike. Normal.

“Brad, please come in. Would you like coffee?”

Brad shook his head. “Not for me. Laurella, Calum, good to see you. I hear your father hasn’t been well, Laurella. I hope he’s on the mend now?”

“He is, thank you. Sorry I had to leave so suddenly. I hope everything is still on track.” She cast a fishing line and hoped Brad Novak would bite.

“Yes, we’re all good, although I have had to make a slight change in personnel. Alberto has left the company.”

Laurella held her breath. She glanced between Calum and Zane.

“That’s a shame,” Zane said, saving Laurella or Calum from having to say anything. “He seemed like a good guy. Nothing serious, I hope?”

“He didn’t share the details, only that he had to return to Italy for personal reasons.” Brad shrugged. “It happens. I’m recruiting for a replacement, but until then, Laurella, you’ll deal directly with me.”

“Of course,” she murmured.

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow. We’ll set up some time in the calendar. Shall we go, Zane? I’ve made reservations at a great little Japanese place.”

After Zane and Brad left for lunch, Laurella’s breath left her lungs with a whoosh.

She turned her head to look at Calum. “It’s over,” she said, relief coursing through her veins.

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Yes. It’s all over.”