Chapter 180
Chapter 180:
“Keep your mouth shut,” Crawford said. “Until she officially signs those divorce papers, I don’t want Cole throwing one of his fits and hurting her p>
Julian felt the full weight of it settle over him. He looked into Crawford’s unyielding eyes and understood perfectly — there was no arguing his way out of this.
He let out a slow, defeated breath and nodded. “Fine. I won’t say a word p>
He stepped back toward the door and released the deadbolt. Then he paused, hand on the frame, and looked back over his shoulder.
“But I have to know where Cole’s head is,” Julian said. “I’m going to test him. If he truly doesn’t care about her anymore, maybe we can avoid World War III p>
June pushed through the heavy glass doors of the Apex Bio core laboratory, leaning on her medical crutches. Her ankle throbbed with a dull, persistent ache, but her face showed none of it.
Abbie jumped up from her desk the moment she saw the thick white bandage wrapped around June’s ankle.
“Dr. Erickson!” She rushed over, hovering anxiously. “Why are you here? You should be in bed p>
June set her crutches against the wall and lowered herself into her ergonomic chair with a quiet, controlled exhale.
𝘛h𝗲 𝗯e𝘴𝘁 𝗋𝗲𝘃i𝗲w𝘴 𝘰n ѕ.co𝗺
“The clinical data models for the second-generation drug are in their final phase,” she said, her voice calm and focused. “I don’t have time to rest p>
Before Abbie could respond, the laboratory doors swung open.
Brogan Clements strode in. The young, brilliant CEO of Apex Bio — and June’s former academic senior — usually wore an easy, warm smile. The moment his eyes landed on her heavily bandaged leg, it disappeared. His jaw tightened with immediate, visible anger.
He crossed to her desk and planted both hands on the edge of her workstation, leaning over her.
“This is what you texted me was a ‘minor trip’?” Brogan demanded, his voice sharp with worry.
June looked up at him, expression perfectly neutral. “It’s a severe sprain, Brogan. I can manage p>
Brogan straightened and turned directly to Abbie. “Pack Dr. Erickson’s bag,” he said, his tone carrying absolute authority. “Call my driver and have him bring the car to the underground garage p>
Abbie froze, her eyes darting back and forth between the two of them, too terrified to move in either direction.
The temperature in the room dropped.
“Brogan, you are crossing a line,” June said, her voice quiet and hard. “I am the Chief Scientist of this facility. I am not a child who needs to be sent home p>
Brogan leaned back down, bringing his face close to hers, using his height and his title as a form of pressure. “I am the CEO of this company,” he said, low and intent. “I have the authority to place you on mandatory paid medical leave p>
June didn’t flinch. She met his gaze without blinking, her eyes sharp as a scalpel.
“If you lock me out of the system,” she said softly, “I will pack up every patent I own and walk out of Apex Bio tomorrow p>
The air in the lab went completely still.
Message from Noa: Hope you’re having a great time, lovely readers. Have a great day! God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. p>