Chapter 61
Chapter 61:
He remembered the look on her face last night. Garbage.
“She doesn’t want our flowers,” he said quietly.
He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a photo of Caleb.
“I messed up, Cal,” Cole whispered. “I pushed her away. And I think this time, she’s not coming back p>
The ballroom at the Marriott Marquis was packed. This wasn’t a protest — it was a victory lap.
The flashbulbs were blinding. June stood at a podium beside the company’s lawyers, her role clearly defined as the lead researcher providing technical clarification.
“Truth,” June said into the microphone, “is the only currency that matters in science. The data has exonerated us. Neuro-X is safe. And Apex Bio is here to stay p>
The applause was thunderous.
𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝘸𝘦𝘦kly сhарt𝗲𝗋𝗌 𝘰𝘯
Brogan walked onto the stage. He looked dashing, even with the bandage. He didn’t shake her hand. In a moment of pure adrenaline and relief, he simply opened his arms and pulled June into a hug.
June stiffened for a fraction of a second. It wasn’t Cole. The smell was different — cleaner, lighter. But Brogan had bled for her. He had stood by her when the world threw bricks.
She relaxed and wrapped her arms around him, patting his back.
The cameras went wild. Click. Click. Click.
Compton Tower
Cole watched the hug on the livestream. The camera angle caught Brogan’s triumphant profile and June’s head buried in his shoulder. Cole couldn’t see her face — only the vulnerable line of her back and her hand resting against Brogan’s suit.
It felt as though someone had reached into his chest and squeezed until something burst.
“No,” Cole growled.
He couldn’t watch. He couldn’t let them have this moment.
His phone rang. It was Mrs. Lynch.
“Master Cole! It’s the Mistress — she’s awake! She’s asking for June p>
Cole’s eyes snapped to attention. This was it. The lifeline.
“Tell her we’re coming,” he said. “I’ll get June p>
Backstage at the Marriott
June was wiping off her stage makeup when Brogan appeared in the doorway, holding two glasses of champagne.
“To us,” he said, smiling. “We make a hell of a team p>
June took the glass. “To truth p>
Brogan took a step closer. “June, I know the divorce isn’t final, but seeing you out there today p>
Her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen. Cole.
She frowned, then answered. “What do you want? I’m busy p>
“Grandma is awake.” Cole’s voice was urgent. “She’s asking for you. She’s agitated. The doctors say she needs to see you now p>
June’s heart skipped. Grandma.
“I’m on my way,” she said, and hung up. She handed the champagne back to Brogan. “I’m sorry. Family emergency p>
Brogan’s face fell. He already knew who had called. “Cole p>
“My grandmother-in-law,” June corrected. “I have to go p>
She grabbed her bag and ran.
Outside, the black Maybach was already waiting at the curb. Cole stood by the door. June stopped short. “I can take a taxi p>
“Get in,” Cole said. He looked tired, but his eyes were burning as they met hers. “It’s faster p>