Hailee's POV
My brow furrowed. "Another way?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Nathan nodded once. "Yes… another way. You have to pay me back." His tone was flat, cold, as if every word was carved from ice. He leaned back in his chair, stretching out, his eyes never leaving mine.
I stood there in front of him, my knees weak, my chest burning. My heart broke all over again—but what was I expecting? That he would pull me into his arms after everything? That he would tell me he missed me, that he still loved me, that he still wanted me? Fool. I was a fool.
Instead, he sat there like a stranger. Like a man who wanted nothing but repayment.
I lowered my gaze, biting the inside of my cheek, forcing myself not to cry. He wanted me to pay him back, and I wondered how.
My brow furrowed deeper. "Which other way?" I asked, barely above a whisper.
Nathan's gaze sharpened, his glare fixed on me. "You'll work in my packhouse as staff. Domestic staff."
