Chapter 3 I moved to a small apartment in the suburbs. Mom and Dad bought it as my pre-marital property. Their safety net for me. Took two days off to get my head straight. When I came back, everyone was staring. I asked my assistant what was up. She hesitated: "Ma'am, that intern Jake used to mentor? She's back." Right then, Jake walked by with Mia. He slowed his long stride so she could keep up. Same gentle attention he used to give me. "Everyone's talking about how different he is with her, but don't listen to that gossip. I've worked for you for years-I know how solid you two were…" WERE being the key word. Jake used to be the office's relationship goals. Never hid how crazy he was about me. Guess I'm qualified to speak on the topic of "when he stops loving you." "We broke up." The news spread like wildfire. Sympathetic looks everywhere. Different departments meant we rarely crossed paths. Except the weekly strategy meetings between Investment and Operations. Interns weren't supposed to attend, but Jake insisted on "giving new talent opportunities." My team was pissed. ake was late. Things got ugly fast. 'If she's qualified for these meetings, she can handle next quarter's economic analysis, right? Someone Jake personally trained must be capable." 'Oh, she's capable. Just depends what kind of capabilities we're talking about." Very hardworking. Days and 'nights', I'm sure." I kept it professional, shut them down. ake outranked me. If he wanted revenge, my people would pay. Mia bit her lip, tears threatening. Jake walked in and immediately noticed. "What's wrong? Who upset you?" "Nothing. Maybe Sophia's team has some misunderstandings about me." 38.37 They All Died for u Jake comforted her, then turned those ice-cold eyes on me. Bringing personal drama to work. Bullying new hires. You owe her an apology." Humihating me in front of everyone. Didn't care how I'd survive this. "Maybe you should teach your people proper workplace etiquette. Titles, not others." Disgusting. Jake's face darkened. He leaned in close: "Don't embarrass her. I won't touch you, but your gossiping subordinates? Fair game." Once he whispered sweet things in my ear. Now it's threats. Eight years together-he knew exactly how to control me. I couldn't sacrifice my team's careers. So I looked down: Mia, I'm sorry." Meeting canceled. Jake swept her out like some conquering hero. sent my guilty-looking team away, cleaned up alone. Didn't realize I was crying until tears hit the papers. Thought I was all cried out.