I think I’m in serious trouble. “I put the company in a difficult position, and I’m so sorry.”

Gabby sighs, rubbing her temple. “You broke the code of conduct and put the company’s reputation at risk.”

I stare down at my hands, unease coiling in my gut—not for what I did, but for how it all ended.

Alex isn’t just any client. He is the man I fell in love with before I realized it was happening. The man I risked everything for.

I meet Gabby’s eyes, bracing for whatever comes next. “It’s over.”

Gabby’s expression softens for just a moment before the steel returns. “That doesn’t change the fact that you violated company policy, and now we’re dealing with the fallout.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m so sorry.”

Gabby exhales a long breath, folding her hands on the desk. “I have no choice. Your employment with Soul Sync is terminated, effective immediately.”

The words hit like a physical blow, knocking the air from my lungs.

“What?” My voice comes out small, shaky, like I can’t quite believe what I’m hearing.

Gabby’s expression softens, but her tone remains firm. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way around this.”

Another shock. Another piece of my life slipping through my fingers. The walls close in, and my chest tightens with panic. My job—over. Alex—gone. Everything I built, everything I thought I could count on, crumbling in front of me.

“There has to be another way. Reprimand me, Gabby, but please don’t fire me.”

“There’s no coming back from this.” Gabby shakes her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Security will escort you out now.”

Security. Like I’m a criminal. The ultimate humiliation.

I nod even though I’m falling apart right here in this chair. “My things?”

“We’ll box them up and send them to you.”

I blink, my vision blurring. Just like that. Over six years with this company and I’m walking out of here with nothing. Not even my dignity.

The walk back to my office feels like a walk of shame. Security follows close behind, their presence a reminder that this is real—I’m being escorted out of the building like I’m a danger.

I grab my purse from my desk, my fingers trembling as I clutch it to my chest.

This isn’t happening. It can’t be happening.

But it is.

Stepping into the hallway, I catch sight of Violet emerging from her office. Her gaze finds me and flicks to the two security guards trailing at my heels. Her eyes widen, confusion flashing across her face. “Magnolia? What’s going on?”

I shake my head. “Not now.” My voice barely holds together. “We’ll talk later.”

Her brows knit, panic flickering in her eyes. “Later? No, we’ll talk now. Why are they⁠—”