“We have autonomy, yes,” Casey admits. “But Scarlett is…not well liked over there.” He avoids looking at her as he mumbles, “No offense.”

Scarlett doesn’t move.

That doesn’t stop Trina. “You and your other editor”—she injects as much disdain as she can into the words—“think this book is great, which it is. Your publicity expert agrees that it could be brilliantly marketed, and I know Anastasios Press could use the buzz from what will not only be a bestseller but a comeback for the literary community. Right, Meri?”

Meri glances at Casey and winces apologetically. “We both know that’s true, Casey.”

“Book deals are about timing and gut feelings as much as the book itself,” he counters.

“You can’t honestly tell me your gut isn’t doing a goddamn happy dance about this one,” Trina shoots back. “You passed it off to him because you knew it was something special.” It doesn’t escape me that she has not once looked at me, nor has she used my name. I groan internally. This is going to be an uphill battle.

“Even so, it’s soured a bit now,” he replies.

“You really want us to take this book to another press, then?” Leave it to Trina to cut right to the chase and call his bluff.

Casey takes a breath to respond, but I don’t let him. “No,” I say sharply, leaving no room for argument. He turns his ire to me in a glare, but that’s okay. I can take it.

I pin my gaze to Scarlett, silently hoping she knows what I’m about to say is for her and her alone. “Becoming is already one of the most breathtaking books I’ve ever read. I would be honored to work on it, but I’m smart enough to offer to step aside and let someone else here have it. That’s how important I think this book will be. But Trina is right. Anastasios needs it. The world needs it.” I need it, I finish silently. But this isn’t about me.

Scarlett still won’t look at me, but her throat works against a swallow. She blinks a few times, and it’s the most emotion I’ve seen from her since I walked into the room.

Trina waves a hand in my direction. “See?” she says to Casey. “So find someone else to edit it.”

“We can,” I assure her, even though the thought of letting this book into someone else’s hands pains me. “I would still love the opportunity, but regardless, Casey and I were prepared to offer a lot of money to acquire this title. He can get over his hurt pride for the sake of the press.”

Scarlett winces at the mention of money, and Trina glances at her, as if checking in.