But today, in addition to his earlier email about putting in time this weekend to help him finish an overview presentation for one of his new clients, with Nash’s attitude and Frank’s idiot thinking that Justine would be everyone’s assistant on everything, she’d hit her breaking point.

Xavier had been subtly mentioning every day for her to own her strengths and acknowledge she deserved better. And Kenzie’s business had offered her another client if she so desired.

Justine had a glimpse of what her future might hold. But she needed to reach out and grab it.

Or kick it squarely between its legs, for once.

She followed Nash down the hall to Frank’s office, where he sat getting chummy with his boss and two of his project managers. How the hell did any of them have time to drink coffee and trade jokes when she had to stay late to get her work done?

Nash knocked on the doorframe. “Hey, Frank. We need to talk to you about the Anweiss Tech meeting coming up.”

Frank’s companions joked as they left the office. “Oh, Frank. You’re in trouble now.”

He laughed them off and stood, looking handsome and smarmy as usual. The guy practically oozed incompetence.

Justine looked around his big office, seeing all he’d earned on other people’s backs. Hers especially.

“Frank, Justine hasn’t gotten me the files I need to get ready for Monday’s meeting with Anweiss. And I can’t figure out…”

She tuned him out while he continued to complain.

Is this what I want? To always be catering to someone else who will take all the credit? To continually stress out because I’m not putting myself first? Why the hell do I need Frank’s validation? Or anyone’s?

Her more practical side chimed in. Well, you do need the money. Your savings will only take you so far.

Yeah, but I’m my father’s daughter, my aunt’s niece. And I’ve been saving up forever. It’s not a lot, but it’s enough to give me breathing room. Especially if I do a great job on Elder Care 4-U, the new client she’d picked up from Kenzie.

Justine’s heart raced. Could she do it? Should she? Aunt Rosie would have told her boss to screw off months ago, even before Justine’s “promotion.” Her father would tell her to ride it out but make provisions to secure a better work environment while her mother would tell her to just get along and not make waves.

Xavier… He’d be practical yet supportive, as he’d been from day one. And then he’d tell her to take responsibility for herself because no one but her could make the decision for her future.

“Justine, are you even listening?” Frank sighed. “This has become a real problem, you know. You—”

“I quit.”

Frank and Nash stared.

“I’ve been underpaid for the past year. I work harder than anyone in your department.” The dam had burst and she couldn’t stop. “You use me all the time to help you on your work while taking away time to finish mine. So I work long days and nights and never get paid for it or comped time.”