Page 83 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
It was in this tense and uncertain atmosphere that I resumed my duties after two and a half weeks of absence, determined to ensure operational continuity and reassure all employees.I knew that every decision I made in the coming weeks could have a decisive impact on the company's trajectory.
Leila proved to be an unwavering support, taking charge of certain aspects I couldn't manage alone.
Alexandre Durant, Tristan's new assistant, started the same day I returned.His presence was indisputable proof that Tristan had done what was necessary to part ways with Audrey before the holidays.And this realization somewhat soothed my wounded heart.It didn't erase everything, but at least it proved that Tristan had chosen me.
Thanks to Maud's help and mine, he quickly found his bearings and adapted rapidly to our intense work pace.Together, we formed a solid team, determined to maintain Community Pilot's stability despite the recent turbulence.
Another of my tasks was to summon Audrey, who was under judicial supervision during the investigation, to terminate her contract.To say I didn't take personal satisfaction from it would be a lie.Yet, when she approached me, still as arrogant despite her defeat, I suddenly felt pity for her.What tragedy had she experienced to reach this point?She had beauty and intelligence, but evidently that hadn't been enough.
"Please, take a seat, Audrey," I said in a composed voice.
She settled into the chair across from me, an expression of defiance on her face.
"Audrey," I began, folding my hands on the desk, "we're terminating your contract, effective immediately."
"You can't do this to me.Tristan offered me a position in a subsidiary, and I accepted," she protested.
"That's false.You refused in exchange for your presence at the Hope Foundation inauguration..."
I paused.
"In any case, your involvement in recent events renders any previous proposal null and void."
She opened her mouth, ready to reply, but I raised my hand to interrupt her and leaned slightly forward, looking her straight in the eyes.
"You may gather your belongings.The human resources department is already informed of your departure.They're expecting you."
She remained frozen for a moment, fists clenched, face pale.Then, without another word, she stood up, turned on her heel, and left the room with a stiff gait.
***
Despite all the unresolved issues between Tristan and me, I had decided to return to our home after escorting the inspector and his men there to collect evidence.With his injuries, Tristan would need someone by his side constantly when he returned, and despite everything that separated us, I cared too much for him not to be present when he needed me.
I went to pick up Tristan from the hospital in the afternoon, my heart pounding and my stomach in knots.I had agreed to return home, but a certain shyness and awkwardness hung between us, as if we no longer knew how to behave in the same space.He cast a gentle gaze upon me, which sparked a dull ache in my chest.
"Eva..."he murmured softly upon seeing me set down his bag in the entryway.
I turned toward him, uncertain, and he extended his hand.
"Come here," he added in a weak voice.
A shiver ran down my spine.His eyes were filled with contradictory emotions: sadness, regret, but also the love I feared I had lost forever.After a second of hesitation, I slowly moved toward him.Without saying a word, he took me in his arms, holding me carefully despite his still-painful ribs.
"Be careful of your injuries," I whispered, my throat tight with concern.
"Shh...Just let me enjoy your presence," he responded in a barely audible voice, his arms gently closing around me.
I stiffened for a moment, but the warmth of his embrace eventually dispelled my reluctance.I closed my eyes and, carefully, wrapped my arms around him, my forehead resting against his shoulder.We remained like this, motionless, nestled against each other, the silence heavy with everything we didn't yet dare to say to each other.
51.The man I was
TRISTAN
I struggled to get up from the couch, but the room began to spin violently around me.Nausea overwhelmed me, and I had to grip the backrest to keep from collapsing.A simple movement, and it felt like my head would explode.Headaches had become my constant companions, intensifying with the slightest attempt at concentration or movement.
"Tristan, stay seated," Eva whispered, approaching to help me lie back down.Her voice was gentle, but I could see the worry in her eyes.
I awkwardly leaned back, wincing under the assault of pain.My skull felt like it was about to burst.
