Ms. Howard pressed her lips together, trying to hide her smile. “You’re so damn brave.”

“What?”

“You are. I can’t believe you’re about to go out there and face this. I admire you so much.”

My cheeks flushed.

“How did he find out?” she asked, her brow furrowed. “I thought you were way too good for him to catch you.”

“I am,” I said. I’d left Dean out of the story. Probably because it wasn’t relevant, but more so because it hurt to think about him. About how much I missed him despite what he’d said. What he’d done.

“Then how…” A gasp cut her off, something clicking in her eyes. “That’s what he was using Dean for.” She ground her teeth.

“You saw him?”

She nodded. “I wanted to get him out of it, but Tanner had something over him. Dean wouldn’t tell me, but whatever it was, it was huge.”

I chewed on my bottom lip.

“I was sure he’d told you.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Is he out there? I can go get him. Escort him back here.”

“No,” I said too quickly. “He’s at the TOC.” I’d known the date for months. And despite everything, I hoped he won. Hoped he slayed it and earned the recognition he’d been working for all year. Hoped his MIT letter was on its way. He deserved that regardless. “It’s fine. I’m ready to get this over with.”

She patted my leg, standing with me. “I will meet with the board after this is over. Talk to them. See if I can testify to your character and dispute Tanner’s over-exaggerated allegations.”

“Thanks, Ms. Howard,” I said, eyeing the door behind her as it opened and Tanner came inside. “But don’t. You have to stay here. I’ll be gone in two months.”

“Ms. Howard,” Tanner said, holding the door open for her. “It’s past time for you to take your seat. I’ve reserved you one next to me and the board.”

She nodded, glaring at him as she passed him.

I didn’t envy her position—his second-in-command. I couldn’t imagine how difficult that day-to-day must be. It was amazing she hadn’t quit.

Tanner folded his arms behind his back after he’d shut the door. “Five minutes. Are you prepared?” He scanned my empty hands like I should be holding a stack of note cards with a meticulously crafted speech.

I tipped my chin, not wanting him to see the fear swirling inside me. “Can I ask you a question?”

He smirked. “It’s too late to talk your way out of this.”

“I’m not trying to,” I said. “I’m curious.”

“About?”

“What did you want to be when you were a kid?”

“Excuse me?”

I raised my eyebrows, knowing he’d heard me.

“Hardly relevant—”