Chapter 1

I pulled three all-nighters straight just to fix the hidden liability clauses in that mega-merger.

I didn't just save my boyfriend's family company from bankruptcy—I locked in the biggest deal of the quarter.

Yet at the celebration party, my boyfriend, Julian, had his arm wrapped around Mia, the fresh intern from my legal team, looking down his nose at me.

"We won this deal because of the Hayes name, Claire. We would've closed it without you touching a single page."

"You're just too boring. Mia actually knows how to celebrate success with me."

I ripped off my corporate badge and tossed it flat onto the table.

"As you wish."

The next morning, I handed in my two weeks' notice and dialed their biggest rival.

I dropped my resignation letter onto Julian's massive mahogany desk.

Julian didn't even look up. His fingers tapped a steady rhythm on his financial reports.

"Playing hard to get again?"

He glanced at the white envelope, a mocking smirk curling his lips.

"Claire, this is the fifth time you've pulled this stunt. Aren't you tired of it?"

"Hayes Enterprises doesn't depend on any single person. Any fresh law grad can run Legal. Stop flattering yourself."

I stared at the man I had loved for five long years. Surprisingly, my chest felt completely numb.

"I'm not throwing a tantrum this time."

My voice was flat, stating cold, hard facts.

Julian finally shut his folder, leaned back into his plush leather chair, and fixed me with an arrogant stare.

"Oh? Then tell me, what's it about this time?"

"I'm exhausted. And I'm sick of watching my work get erased like it never mattered."

He let out a sharp scoff, stood up, and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, looking out over the city skyline below.

"Claire, know your place. This merger went through because Hayes Enterprises is a powerhouse. Capital chases our name—it's that simple."

"Those midnight clauses you redlined? They barely made a dent."

"Literally anyone with basic typing skills could have finalized that contract."

If he truly believed anyone could handle Corporate Legal, why should I break my back?

"Since you're so confident, Mr. Hayes, my resignation just frees up a chair."

I pointed toward the envelope on his desk.

Julian raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by how calm and definitive I sounded.

"Fine. Approved."

He agreed so quickly he didn't even bother asking for a reason.

"Before you walk out, though, leave a recommendation for your replacement. I don't want Legal descending into chaos just because some seniors only answer to you."

I held his gaze, the corners of my lips lifting into a faint smile.

"I already have someone in mind. Mia Reed is perfect."

Julian's eyes instantly lit up.

"Mia?"

"She's still an intern. Putting her in charge might raise some eyebrows."

I gave a soft chuckle, sounding entirely supportive.

"She might be a bit green on the technical side, but she's lively and flexible. Not rigid and boring like me. She fits your leadership style."

"Besides, with you watching her back, I'm sure she'll keep Legal running smooth."

A spark of delight flashed in Julian's eyes, and he nodded approvingly.

"Claire, look at that. You finally did something sensible."

"I agree. Mia is a much better fit than you. At least she knows how to support her boss instead of acting like a stiff board who nitpicks everything."

"Since you're being so considerate, I'll sign off."

He scrawled his signature across the letter with a gold pen and flicked it toward the corner of the desk.

"Pack your things today. Payroll will cut your check through this afternoon."

I picked up the resignation letter, still smelling of fresh ink, and slipped it into my blazer pocket.

"Thank you, Mr. Hayes."