When He's by Her Side

My team and I worked for an entire month before finally submitting our proposal. During the meeting, Castiel had openly praised our work. "This proposal is thorough, meticulous, and highly forward-thinking."

However, when the proposal was handed over to Heath's side, he found endless faults with it. "This proposal needs further discussion. Have your team lead come to our office."

Even so, I knew his nitpicking was clearly intentional. Castiel had volunteered to accompany me, and I gave him a grateful look.

Yet when we arrived at Heath's company and he saw Castiel with me, his brow furrowed deeply. "I specifically asked for Penelope to come alone. Mr. Sartori, why are you here?"

"I didn't feel comfortable letting Penelope come by herself," Castiel replied with a gentle smile. "I have more experience. If there's anything to discuss, feel free to direct your questions to me."

Heath let out a derisive laugh. "If you don't trust Penelope, why assign her the proposal in the first place? I only want to discuss this with Penelope. If you want to continue collaborating, Mr. Sartori, I suggest you leave."

Castiel hesitated, but I tugged lightly on his sleeve and shook my head. I was signaling that he should go. I could handle this on my own.

Castiel glanced at me. He simply patted my shoulder, and said, "If he gives you a hard time, call me anytime."

I nodded. "I will."

After Castiel left the office, Heath grabbed me roughly and tilted my chin up. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing." I coldly pushed his hand away. "We're just collaboration partners now, Mr. Summers. I'd appreciate it if you showed me some respect."

Heath's gaze darkened. "So, did you break up with me because of him?"

I couldn't believe Heath's audacity. How could I have ever been so blind as to fall for someone like him?

"This doesn't seem relevant to our work," I replied calmly. "I'm here to discuss the collaboration. I have no interest in personal matters unrelated to work."

Heath tugged at his tie in frustration. "You didn't use to be like this, Penelope."

He was right. I hadn't. I used to be completely devoted to him.

When his stomach hurt, I would take a day off just to cook him meals and massage his stomach. When he chatted with Naomi, I would seethe with jealousy and give him the silent treatment, only to eventually apologize and make amends.

However, those days were long gone.

"Mr. Summers, as you said, that was in the past. What's in the past is over. I'm not going to keep being a lovestruck fool for you to mistreat."

Heath let out a bitter laugh. "When did I ever mistreat you? I bought you a house. When I heard your father's heart was acting up, I immediately brought in the best cardiologist for him.

"Have I not treated you well? Penelope, do you even have a heart?"

Who was the truly heartless one here? I couldn't believe Heath was so shameless as to say such things to me.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath. "If you're not planning to discuss work, Mr. Summers, then I'll take my leave."

Heath then lit a cigarette. He exhaled slowly as he said, "If you don't agree to get back together, I won't approve your proposal."