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Page 60 of Snowed In with the Bosses

“They’re going to lose their jobs because of me.” I cradled my stomach between both hands. “It’s not fair. We broke the company rules. I get that there should be repercussions, but itwas all consensual.” Nothing about our relationship changed our work ethic or gave me a better position within the company. Rules were rules, though, and that was all the board would see when they looked at what we’d done.

Mom scooted her seat around until we were knee to knee. “It will be okay.” I scoffed, and she smacked my forearm lightly. “Don’t you take that tone with me, young lady.” She might look frail, but she was the strongest woman I knew. “There are worse things out there than a scandal and falling in love with three wonderful men.”

I risked a look at her face.

Her smile welcomed me. “Come on, sweet girl. You couldn’t have thought I would condemn you for love?” She tsked when I held my breath. “Good things are coming for you. That you’ve found love, though it’s unconventional by societal standards, is a great thing. You’re happy in your relationship. You have three healthy babies in there.” She patted my stomach. “You might lose your job. All of you might. But that is small-minded thinking. All four of you are better than that business. If they cannot see you for the value you bring, then you shouldn’t waste your time there.”

“But they’re the leading architecture firm in Silverbrook and the surrounding counties,” I protested on instinct.

“And they can go fuck themselves.” She sat back and folded her hands in her lap. “They might try to screw you over, but we Perrys are a hard bunch to grind under someone’s boot heel. We always end up back on top.” She winked and slapped the table. “Now, tell me about my grandbabies.”

I was glad to already be sitting, or her love and support might have knocked me right on my ass. We passed the rest of the afternoon and late into the night talking about babies and the possibilities in the future. I fell asleep on the couch and woke upto a delivery man knocking on the door. He held up a white box. “From Mr. Thorne.”

I took the box with a startled thanks and managed to close the door with my heel. A peek into the box and my jaw hit the floor. A sleek, black dress spilled out, the material like silk in my hands. A note fluttered out, and I grunted as I scooped it from the floor.

There’s no reason to hide anymore. Knock ‘em dead, sweetheart.

His heavy scrawl filled the little white card, covering the front and back. The sight of it and the support that it showed was better than a dozen shots of liquid courage.

Mom came out from her bedroom, took one look at the dress, and smiled maniacally. “Now that is a dress to break balls in.”

“Damned right.” I sucked air through my teeth, a decision locking in place. “You’re abso-fucking-lutely right, Mom.”

Three hours later, I strode into the boardroom and faced five dour-faced men. Each of them sat tense, their bodies hunched over the long table, looks of censure knotting their brows.

Alexander, Ethan, and Liam sat off to the side, the three of them wearing expressionless masks. Ethan saw me first, and his tight-lipped grimace loosened. Liam smacked the back of his hand into Alexander’s chest, drawing Alexander’s gaze over to me.

I was a goddess on the warpath. My steps hammered across the lacquered floor, each one precise and determined.

Mr. Billard—the oldest and most gnarled of the board members—started to stand. “Miss Perry.”

“Sir.” I raised my chin and stood proud, my spine straight, the delicate dress swirled around my ankles. “Before we begin this ridiculous inquisition, I have something to say.” I took a deep breath, met the eyes of each of my men, and spoke words I never thought would leave my mouth. “I resign my positionon the single condition that those three men remain in the company, in the positions where they are now, and where they belong.”

I swiveled around to face Mr. Billard. “You would all be fools to let them go. And though I might not agree with your rulings, I suspect you are fair men who look after your own. After all, it’s because of the five of you that a man has been allowed to stalk and sexually harass multiple women within this company. Allowing me to take the fall so that they can remain is no less than the company would expect from the misogynistic patriarchy.” I turned on my heel, the stunned looks on five very annoyed faces bolstering my flagging courage. “My resignation is effective immediately. I’ve already cleaned out my desk.”

Not one of them called me back or said a damned fucking thing.

The door started to close, then snapped back with enough force that it rebounded against the wall. “Clara, wait.” Alexander caught up with me in the hallway, his grasp on my elbow slight enough to break but firm enough to tell me he meant business. “What the fuck was that?”

“I refuse to be the reason you lose your livelihood.” A soul-crushing rush of anguish ripped through me. “I can’t live knowing I’ve broken the lives and careers of the men I love.”

Ethan and Liam walked out in time to hear my statement. Liam rushed forward, Ethan hot on his heels.

“We can handle this.” Liam flapped a hand toward the closing door. “They’re a bunch of puffed-up suits who know nothing about us. You don’t have to sacrifice your career for ours.”

“But I do.” I rubbed my protruding stomach. “I’m going to be on maternity leave soon anyway. This is the least I can do to make sure you keep your jobs.”

“Why the hell would we want to stay here without you?” Ethan wore a look I’d never seen before. There was a fragileness in his expression, the stark pain in his eyes threatened to undo my resolve. “We love you, Clara. There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for you.”

“Then let me do this.” I cupped his cheek. “If you love me, you’ll give me some time to be alone. I need time with my thoughts.” With those parting words, I left them behind.

Raised voices followed me, the three of them arguing.

Liam’s light steps followed after me. “We’ll give you time, Clara, but we’re not finished. I love you enough to give you time, but I’m not giving you up.” His conviction was a balm to my soul. I would rather walk barefoot through hell than have any of them hurt because of me.

It took all my strength to climb into my car and drive away. I made it home and as far as my couch before I collapsed in a mess of tears.

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