The ballroom has been set up with a raised platform and a row of chairs at the front, with folding chairs in arced rows for staff. Some managers are already on the stage, but I don’t see Byron. Maybe he doesn’t participate in these things, since he’s not part of the management team. Patricia explained the other day that the managers all report to Hart, and Hart reports to Byron.

Hart comes to the microphone at the front of the stage and thanks everyone for coming. I’m half relieved Byron’s not here and half disappointed I won’t see him.

“First, we want to give you an update on the storm damage and how that impacts our opening schedule.”

Various people come to the microphone and explain how things will go over the next few weeks. There’s furniture being stored in some of the conference rooms. This ballroom will be out of action for a period of time.

My mind wanders back to Marion, and how she’s so brave to be talking about breaking free from living under Mom’s strict rule. At her age, I wouldn’t have even dreamed it was possible.

I feel a shift in the room, like someone is watching me. I glance up and my gaze catches on Byron, standing by the door, looking right at me.

My heart hiccups in my chest. I’m going to miss him more than I should when I move. I have to remind myself that we—whatever we are—only worked because there was always a time limit. I didn’t feel he had power over me, because we weren’t anything serious. If we’d ended up dating, things would have changed. Byron would have had expectations, and I would have had to comply. He’s nothing like my mom or Frank, but it would have been inevitable. I was never going to be on equal footing with a man as rich and powerful as Byron—especially not while working for him.

Except as I look at him, I wonder if that’s true. My heart tells me Byron’s not that guy.

But even if controlling me and exerting his authority wasn’t his intention, that’s bound to be how it ends up. How could it be another way? He’s the owner of the place where I work. I’m dependent on him for my paycheck. I don’t want to be dependent on anyone.

Hart starts talking about staff housing, and I pull my gaze from Byron to focus on the stage. There’s been another setback on some of the units, but most staff will be able to move in on Saturday. A little cheer goes up at the back of the room. Hart reiterates that not all units will be available. They’re looking for volunteers to delay their move-in date, and will pay some compensation to incentivize people.