Chapter 6 - TESSA QUIT

When Noah stabilized emotionally, Tessa resigned.
Grant was stunned.
“You’re leaving?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
She stared.
“Because I almost got hit in the head with a vase while holding your son.”
Fair.
“Noah needs you.”
There.
The phrase she expected.
She shook her head.
“No.”
Grant stopped.
“I love him.”
“Yes.”
“But loving him doesn’t make this job safe.”
“I can make it safe.”
“You can improve it.”
Silence.
“Not the same.”
Grant had security.
Money.
Lawyers.
Private doctors.
But safety after betrayal could not be guaranteed by a billionaire’s confidence.
Tessa continued:
“I also need to finish school.”
“What school?”
“Pediatric nursing.”
He looked surprised.
He had never asked.
That hurt him too.
“How far?”
“Three semesters.”
“Why did you stop?”
“Money.”
He almost said something.
She raised a finger.
“No.”
He closed his mouth.
Good.
“I know what you’re about to offer.”
“Tuition.”
“No.”
“Loan?”
“No.”
“Scholarship?”
“Also no if you invent one.”
He almost smiled.
She continued.
“I need my next step not to be another thing tied to this house.”
Grant understood.
Or started to.
“Can you still see Noah?”
“If you ask.”
Not:
If he needs you.
Ask.
Choice.
Grant nodded.
“Would you?”
“Yes.”
May you like
That was enough.
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