Chapter 14
I stare up at the imposing building before me, and my heart drops to the bottom of my feet. It’s pounding so hard, and I’m so anxious I can barely breathe.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous. I’ve always carried myself with a quiet kind of confidence, a slow–burning certainty that whatever came my way, I’d find a way through. But today? That confidence is nowhere to be found. In its place is a jittery, panicked energy that’s bouncing inside me and wreaking all kinds of havoc.
Sweat pools in my palms, and I wipe them against my jeans before lifting my eyes again to the sleek silver sign that reads:
WOOD CORPORATION.
I’ve been here countless times over the years, but most of them were to Lilly’s office.
It’s amazing how Uncle Gabe and Uncle Rowan have managed to push their family company to greater heights. They’ve expanded it in ways that the business world wasn’t prepared for and now, it’s one of the top fortune five hundred companies.
Even though they’re just in their late forties, they’re still planning to retire, leaving the company in the capable hands of their children. Noah will take over as the CEO and Lilly will be the vice CEO.
And that’s why I’m here. Not for Lilly. For Noah.
The thought alone makes me tremble. My fear is layered–fear of telling him, fear of facing him, and fear of his reaction. It’s all rooted so deep inside me that it’s clouding every other feeling.
Someone bumps into me, snapping me out of my daze. I probably look crazy, just standing here frozen on the sidewalk.
I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and push through the revolving doors.
The one good thing about knowing the soon–to–be vice CEO and her entire family is that I can get in without a problem. No questions asked.
“Here to see your best friend?” Morris, one of the longtime security guards, greets me warmly.
“Y–yeah,” I lie with a shaky smile, silently praying he doesn’t notice how petrified I am.
“Well, go right in,” he says with a grin, the overhead lights catching the shine on his bald head. “The big bosses said to swing by their offices next time you’re around. They say it’s not fair you only visit Madam Boss p>
I offer a small, genuine smile.
Uncle Gabe and Uncle Rowan really are amazing. Growing up, they used to bring Lilly and Iris (Noah’s sister) around the office, and I’d tag along. Even though Iris was younger, the three of us always managed to wreak havoc.
That didn’t stop in high school or college. Lilly and I would drop by after school, hang out with them, then go on our way.
These days, I pop in now and then for lunch with Lilly—but I rarely catch the uncles around anymore.
“I will,” I promise. “Are they in today p>
“No, but they’re expected later. There’s a board meeting p>
“Thank you, Morris,” I mumble.
“Anytime, dear p>
I nod and head to the elevators. That small conversation gave me a small reprieve from my worries, but only for a little while.
Once inside, I press the button for the executive floor, fumbling in the process.
The higher the elevator climbs, the more tightly wound I become. I shove my trembling hands into my pockets, trying to contain the panic.
Faster than I would’ve wanted, the elevator dings and the doors slide open. I hesitate as I grapple with my fear. I stand frozen, debating whether I should just turn back, like the coward I am.
But just as the doors begin to close, I jump out.
The quicker I get this over and done with, the fucking better.
I walk, dragging my feet. It’s a battle, as every instinct urges me to turn around and run. To leave and never look back. But I don’t. I made this decision, and once I make a decision, I stick to it.
I reach the secretary’s desk.
“Good morning, I’m Mary. How may I-” she begins, then stops mid–sentence when she sees me. Her expression flickers with surprise, then confusion.
“Sierra,” she says slowly, her voice uncertain. “H–how are you? … How can I… Are you okay, dear p>