Chapter 51

MELANIE Iignore the muttering and side-eye glances as I walk toward Nathan’s office, stopping in front of his secretary’s desk. I clear my throat, and she looks up at me, a sympathetic half smile on her face. I roll back my shoulders, trying to fake a confidence I don’t feel. This all seemed much easier when it was only a plan in my head. The execution of it, however, is proving to be far more terrifying than I could have anticipated. I look Helen in the eyes. “I need to see him.” “He’s not available right now.” I stay rooted to the spot. “I know he’s in there.” “He’s busy.” I wring my hands in front of me. “Please, Helen. It’s important.” She smiles gently, and the pity in her eyes makes me want to cry. I ball my hands into fists, my fingernails biting into my palms as I try to stop myself from losing it in the reception area of Nathan’s office. “He has a meeting in ten minutes,” she says with a tilt of her head. “I only need five, but I need to speak with him.” I guess she recognizes