Chapter 145

I’m cautious as I approach the James and James offices, my head on a swivel. It’s the end of the workday, and a lot of the staff are leaving. Nathan is unlikely to join the mass exodus, but you never know. My encounter with Mason was bad enough, and Nathan makes him look like a pussycat. In the before times, when I felt like I was part of the James family, I got along with all the brothers, but Nathan was the most reserved. The most naturally cynical of them all. Elijah and I had a big, flashy wedding, and I remember Nathan looking around at all the ribbons and chintz and chiffon with something akin to amusement. I think even then he had his doubts, and I do rather hate to have proven him right. I successfully make my way to Drake’s part of the building without any upsetting encounters. I’m early, and Amelia’s workstation outside his office is empty. I knock on the door, announcing myself. “Come on in,” Drake shouts after a second. “Quick meeting?” he asks when I walk in. “Yes. We went