CHAPTER SEVEN #3
As she walked through the firm’s halls, people looked up, startled by her pace and the storm in her eyes. A few gave her nods of sympathy, while others looked away. Everyone knew her father was a hard-ass. But only a few truly understood how far his cruelty reached.
She reached the end of the corridor and pushed open the heavy glass door to her office. As soon as it shut behind her, she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding in. The silence wrapped around her like armor.
She dropped the file on her desk and crossed to the window. Her reflection stared back at her in the glass. On the outside, she appeared poised and composed. But inside, she was fuming.
Nova turned from the window, her jaw tightening.
Her father was playing the same game he had been playing her entire life. The difference now was that she knew how to play it, too.
She smiled to herself. She would let him think that he had won. But what he didn’t know was that, while she was gone, she would finalize the foundation for her freedom.
A knock sounded on the door, startling her out of her thoughts. Her stomach tightened as she thought it was Rick, until she heard the voice.
“Nova? It’s Paige.”
She exhaled in relief. “Come in.”
The door opened, and Paige stepped inside, carrying a file box in her arms. She was a few years older than Nova and had always been one of the few people at the firm she could trust. She was also a damn good paralegal.
“I was told you’re taking over the Silverman and Gulf Tide acquisition,” Paige said, crossing to the desk and setting the box down.
Nova nodded. “That’s what I was told, too.”
Before Paige opened the box, she paused and looked Nova in the eye.
“Look, I heard what happened over the weekend. I know it isn’t any of my business, but for what it is worth, Rick doesn’t deserve you.
And Piper…well, she does more networking under desks than in meetings.
And from what I hear, she was asked not to come into the office today. ”
Nova’s eyebrows rose at hearing that. She didn’t know that. She had come in through the back entrance, purposely to avoid seeing Piper.
“And what your dad is doing, well, that isn’t right either. He was in his office, gloating about how easy it was to manipulate you.”
“He actually said that?” Nova asked.
Paige nodded. “Yeah. I had to stop there on my way here to pick up a file, and he was talking to Rick’s dad. I know you don’t trust many people, especially here at the firm. But please know that I’m in your corner, and if you ever need anything, just let me know.”
Nova felt that lump rising in her throat again, but she swallowed it down. “Thanks, Paige. That means more than you know.” She then nodded to the box as she slipped back into professional mode.
“All right. Tell me everything I need to know.”
Paige grinned and then opened the box. For the next few hours, they worked steadily, going through a ton of documents and personnel files.
The company that Silverman was acquiring was a smaller operation with minimal holdings, including three rigs in the Gulf.
The financials checked out on the surface, but Paige pointed out a few odd notations in offshore logistics, specifically tied to the newest rig, which was still under construction.
Nova made notes on a few of the documents Paige flagged.
By the end of the day, they had gone through nearly all the files, and Nova’s desk was cluttered with sticky notes, flagged reports, and contracts to ask about.
Paige stood and handed Nova a folder with a travel itinerary clipped to it. “Your flight is all set for early Saturday morning. You’ll fly into Lafayette. Mr. Silverman has already handled your hotel accommodations and your transportation from the airport.”
Nova nodded, taking the folder. “I think I’m going to work from home for the rest of the week. If you need me, just call.”
Paige nodded.
“Thank you for everything, Paige,” Nova said, her voice sincere.
Paige gave her a warm smile. “You’re welcome. And for the record, you’ve got this.”
“I know,” Nova said. And for the first time, she believed it.
After Paige left, Nova packed up her things. Her laptop, files, notepad, and anything else that she would need to take with her. When she stepped out into the hall, the office had quieted significantly as most of the employees had gone home for the day.
As she passed the executive wing, her steps slowed. She saw that her father’s office door was closed, but the blinds weren’t. And inside, she saw Rick’s parents and her mom and dad. They were all seated like they were attending a goddamn strategy meeting, most likely discussing her.
Disgusting. She thought to herself.
And then, as if he sensed her presence, her father looked up. Their eyes locked, and she didn’t blink. Instead, she gave him a small, knowing smirk.
He narrowed his eyes, and her smirk grew wider. Let him stew in the uncertainty, because Nova Hart was done being the pawn.
She held her head up high, turned the corner, and walked out.