After I handed in my resignation to Mr. Specter, I went back to my desk to wrap things up. Judy-who was taking over for me-shot me a look like she wasn't ready to let go. "Reiny, seriously? You're bailing? Now I'm stuck watching those two drool over each other all day!" She nodded toward Owen and Vanessa. Owen looked like he was giving Vanessa a mild lecture, but whatever tension there was vanished when he pulled out a luxury bracelet like it was a freaking magic trick.

Vanessa lit up and slid it on like it was her birthday. Then she saw me. And panicked. "Ms. Reinsdorf! I swear, there's nothing going on with me and Owen! It's just a bracelet!" All eyes swung to us. Five years with Owen, and he never bought me anything remotely nice. And just like him, everyone here thought I was some clueless girl from nowhere who couldn't tell real luxury from knockoff. Their pity hit like a slap. Even Judy was seething.

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"You're still dating him and they're making a fool outta you!" I gave her hand a quick squeeze and shook my head. Chill. Then I looked at Vanessa. "It's a gorgeous bracelet. Suits you." She blinked, clearly expecting fireworks. "Ms. Reinsdorf, seriously, it's just a regular bracelet. Please don't be upset." Upset? Not even close. I had stuff like that lying around back in Caverton. Owen stood up, all frowny. "Reiny, stop being unreasonable." I sighed and shook my head. "I'm not mad.

Y'all really need to stop making stuff up about me." I kept it chill, but Owen looked thrown, then rolled his eyes. "You better not be." He sat back down and tugged Vanessa with him.