Tempted by Eden (Eden #1)

13. Cora

Chapter thirteen

Cora

B ack at my desk, I fall into my chair with a huff. The nerve of that conceited jerk! Who the hell does he think he is?

I drop my head into my hands, trying to calm myself. The moment I saw him, my stomach twisted into a tight knot, my thoughts scattering, my pulse pounding.

How can this be real? How can he be here?

As my anger cools, embarrassment takes its place, piercing and cold like frost on a windowpane. He wasn’t wrong to call me a thief and a hooker… well, not entirely.

Under the circumstances, I can’t blame him for jumping to conclusions. He thinks I’m here to blackmail him, and honestly, can I fault him? How am I going to convince him that this is nothing more than a horrible coincidence? Or should I just resign and cut my losses?

I groan, slumping in my chair. This job was supposed to be my lifeline—without it, we could lose everything. Going back to Eden isn’t an option. Resigning isn’t either. But can I really face Leo’s father every day when he clearly hates my guts?

I don’t have a choice. This job isn’t just a paycheck—it’s my chance to give Leo the stable life he deserves. The only way forward is to prove James wrong. I need to show him I belong here, that I earned my position because of my intellect and experience, not through manipulation or deceit.

Decision made, I feel a bit better—until I remember the fake name he gave me in Malta.

Dick move.

I lift my head just as Nathan approaches, his lips pressed in a thin line. “Cora, you’re shaking,” he says softly. “What the hell happened back there?”

“Shhh,” I hiss, glancing around. “Keep your voice down!”

Nathan leans in, eyes wide. “I’ve never seen James like that before. He looked livid, and that’s saying something—his normal look is pissed off.”

I cover my face with my hands. “Oh, Nathan, it’s a complete disaster.”

“What’s going on?” he asks again, more impatient this time.

“I can’t tell you here,” I mumble.

“Fine, but you and me”—he points between us—“drinks after work, and you better spill.”

“Okay, yes, let’s do that,” I whisper hurriedly.

His gaze lingers, uneasy, before he turns to leave. Though we’ve just met, his concern is unexpectedly comforting.

The rest of the day drags on painfully. I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing and concentration is futile. By the time five o’clock rolls around, I’m more than ready to get out of here.

Nathan and I leave the office together and head directly across the road to Maxine’s, a grungy bar filled with an after-work crowd.

“I’ll get us some drinks, then you’re going to talk,” Nathan says, giving me a pointed look.

As I settle into a quiet corner, I consider how much to tell him. We’ve just met, so I can’t be entirely sure I can trust him. I’m usually a good judge of character, but this situation is too sensitive. I decide to leave Eden out of the conversation for now.

Nathan returns with a tray of shots and cocktails.

“Did you forget it’s a school night?” I laugh, despite myself.

“I have a feeling this is going to require a lot of alcohol.” He hands me a shot. “To my new work wife,” Nathan says with a wink, and we clink glasses. I throw back the shot, the tequila burning down my throat.

Four shots and two strong cocktails later, we’re both well beyond tipsy, and my plan to keep certain things close to my chest has dissolved in a haze of alcohol.

“Wow… just… wow.” Nathan’s eyes are wide with bewilderment.

“I know, right?” I shout back, making Nathan wince.

“I knew we needed this tonight,” he says, raising his martini. “I can’t believe you fucked him… he’s such a prick.” He shakes his head.

After hearing most of my story—everything except for the identity of Leo’s father—he shared his insights on the office culture. Having been with Hayes he gave you a glowing review. We would love to have you on board.”

Wait, James didn’t report me? Why the hell not?

“Ah yes, it was a lot of fun. Love to do it again,” I reply, slipping into a strange British accent. I squeeze my eyes shut, biting my lip as my cheeks burn.

What are you doing, you weirdo?

“Wonderful! Welcome aboard, Cora. Hailee will email your roster shortly.”

I make a non-committal sound as she hangs up and slowly make my way back to our table. James’s unexpected praise has thrown me. Why didn’t he report the theft? It doesn’t add up. Is he planning his own revenge? I need to figure it out before I walk into a trap.

Nathan looks up from his phone, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What was that about?”

I hesitate, trying to decide how much to share. But Nathan’s already in this with me, and after everything I’ve spilled tonight, there’s no point in holding back now.

“That was… work-related,” I say slowly, still processing the conversation myself. “Madame Sophia. She was calling to offer me a permanent spot at Eden.”

Nathan’s jaw hangs open. “Wait, what? After everything that happened?”

“Exactly,” I say, leaning in, my voice hushed. “I thought for sure James would’ve said something—hell, I was bracing myself for a criminal charge after his reaction this morning. But instead, she says he gave excellent feedback. Like… glowing .”

Nathan’s confusion mirrors my own. “That doesn’t make sense. Why would he do that?”

“I have no idea,” I admit. “He was furious today, accusing me of all sorts of things—blackmail, theft, being a hooker… but then he doesn’t say a word to Madame Sophia?”

Nathan sits back, running a hand through his hair. “That’s messed up. But it might give you some leverage, right? If he didn’t report you, maybe he’s not as eager to get rid of you as he’s letting on.”

“Maybe,” I murmur, though the thought doesn’t bring much comfort.

We fall into silence, both of us lost in the tangle of the mess I’ve created.

Nathan reaches across the table, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll figure it out, Cora. You’re a tough bitch—I can tell.”

His words bring a smile to my lips. “Thanks, Nathan. I really appreciate that.”

“Anytime.” He grins. “Now, how about one more drink before we call it a night? God knows we could both use it.”

I laugh softly, nodding in agreement. “Why not? After today, I think I’ve earned it.”

Nathan heads to the bar and I take a moment to just breathe. I don’t know what game James is playing, but I know one thing for sure: I’m not going down without a fight.

My thoughts drift to Leo, his little face flashing in my mind. What would happen if James found out about him? Tightness grips my throat, and I force down a hard, dry gulp.

I can’t let my mind go there. I need to be focused to stay ahead of whatever James is planning. If he thinks he can scare me off, he’s wrong. I belong at Hayes & Hayward Media, and I’ll prove it—even if it means going head-to-head with Leo’s father.