For a moment, it was just silence.
The man finally sighed, then shook his head slowly. "No," he said firmly, his voice calm but resolute. "I'm still not going to accept it."
Victoria's eyes twitched. Her jaw tensed.
But he wasn't finished.
"It wasn't my plan to begin with," the man added. "Your friend brought it to me, and since she's pulling out now, there's no reason for me to take on the job. That was our agreement. I don't go solo on these kinds of assignments. If the other party steps away, then it's done. That's just how I work."
Victoria felt her throat tighten.
He's serious, she thought. Really serious.
But so was she, this wasn't just about money anymore. It was about pride. About victory. About making sure Cora never had the last laugh.
She clenched her fists, then took another step forward this time getting right in front of him. Her heels echoed lightly against the floor, and her face showed no hesitation.
