Chapter 10 Elyse

I rush out of the living room, heart pounding as I fight back tears. Slamming the door to the guest bedroom behind me, I sink onto the bed, burying my face in my hands. How did everything spiral so out of control?

The day started like any other—full of promise and excitement for the day ahead, but my argument with Jack has left me reeling, feeling lost and adrift. I never imagined he could be so callous about my situation. Doesn't he understand how much this internship means to me? How hard I've worked to get here?

My chest tightens as I recall the harsh look in his eyes and the hard set of his jaw as he dismissed my concerns. "This is bigger than some silly internship, Elyse. The team comes first—always." His words cut deeply, making me feel small and insignificant then and now.

Doesn't he realize I'm trying to forge my own path? That I can't simply abandon my principles and ethics, even for him? This internship is my shot at making it in the cutthroat legal world. Opportunities like this don't come around often.

Yet the thought of disappointing Jack, of going against his wishes, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Despite his gruff exterior, I've seen glimpses of the caring man beneath, who makes me feel cherished and protected in a way I've never experienced before.

I sigh heavily. My parents' marriage taught me the importance of commitment, of weathering the storms life throws your way, but is blind loyalty the answer? Shouldn't I be forging my own path, following my heart and convictions?

The conflicting thoughts swirl in my mind like a tempest, leaving me unsure which way to proceed. Do I abandon the internship, putting Jack's needs first as he demands? Or do I dig in my heels, risking a deeper rift between us for the sake of my career?

I take a deep, steadying breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling within me. My fingers tremble slightly as I scroll through my contacts, finally landing on "Mom." A wave of nostalgia washes over me at the simple act. How many times had I called her over the years seeking her sage advice or just joined her for a cup of tea and a chat in the kitchen? I'm suddenly homesick.

Pressing the call button, I bring the phone to my ear, the familiar rings doing little to settle my nerves. After a few agonizing moments, her warm voice greets me. "Elyse, sweetheart. What a lovely surprise."

Despite the turmoil raging inside, I smile at her cheerful tone. She and I share the trait of cheerful optimism, but I'm having trouble finding it right now. "Hi, Mom. How are you?"

"Oh, you know me—keeping busy as always. Your father and I just got back from the community garden, but enough about us. How are you doing? You sound…troubled."

I let out a shaky laugh, marveling at her intuition. Should I really be surprised? She's always had an uncanny ability to read me and Sam. "I…I'm not sure, to be honest. That's why I'm calling."

"You know I'm here to listen, no matter what it is." Her voice is gentle, soothing, and I instinctively relax.

Drawing a fortifying breath, I launch into the situation, carefully omitting specific details about the lawsuit against Reginald and the Firebirds. "It's about my internship. I've been given an assignment that could be…ethically questionable. On the one hand, it's a huge opportunity that could really help my career, but on the other, I'm not sure I feel right about the methods involved."

There's a weighted pause before Mom speaks again. "I see. Your father and I have always emphasized the importance of ethics and doing what's right, no matter the personal cost." I can picture her warm smile, her eyes shining with pride. "But we've also taught you to think for yourself, to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision."

She pauses. "Ultimately, you need to search your heart and decide if this assignment truly violates your core values and beliefs. If it does, you have to be prepared to walk away, no matter how enticing the opportunity might seem."

Her words strike a chord. She's right. My integrity has always been paramount, but what if the ends justify the means this time? What if exposing Reginald's misdeeds protects countless players from harm? Doesn't that make it worth bending the rules just a little?

As if sensing my internal conflict, Mom continues. "That said, not every situation is black and white. There can be shades of gray and nuances to consider. If you truly believe this assignment, while unorthodox, could ultimately lead to a positive outcome that aligns with your principles, then you might decide it's worth pursuing—but tread carefully."

I nod slowly, her advice sinking in. She's giving me the freedom to make my own choices, just as she's always done, but she's also reminding me to stay true to myself and not lose sight of who I am in the pursuit of success.

"You're a good person with a strong moral compass, Elyse," says Mom softly. "I have faith that you'll make the right decision, whatever that might be. Just don't let ambition cloud your judgment or cause you to compromise your values unnecessarily."

Her words soothe me. I'm still torn, but her wisdom has given me a clearer path forward. "Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that. You always know just what to say."

She chuckles warmly. "It's what mothers are for, dear. Now, tell me more about this young man who has you so flustered…"

I can't stifle my groan, but a smile tugs at my lips, nonetheless. Typical Mom. She can always read between the lines. "It's…complicated," I say, feeling my cheeks flush.

"Isn't it always?" She laughs. "You know I'm here whenever you need an ear—or advice on matters of the heart."

We chat for a while longer, the conversation drifting to lighter topics as the weight on my shoulders eases somewhat. Eventually, we say our goodbyes, and I'm left feeling calmer and more centered.

After hanging up, I clutch the phone to my chest, close my eyes, and simply breathe for a few moments, letting Mom's words of wisdom wash over me. I know what I need to do—pursue the truth, but only through ethical means that don't compromise who I am. I'll just have to figure out how to do that.

A sharp rap on the door jolts me from my reverie. I glance at the clock—has it really been over an hour since I started my call with Mom? Time seems to have slipped away as I wrestled with my turbulent thoughts.

"Elyse?" Sam's voice filters through the door, tinged with concern. "You in there?"

I draw a steadying breath, swiping at the dampness on my cheeks. "Y-Yeah, I'm here."

There's a pause, then, "Can I come in?"

I hesitate for the briefest of moments before replying. "Sure."

The door creaks open and Sam slips inside, his athletic frame filling the doorway. His piercing green eyes, so like my own, study me intently, brow furrowed. "You okay? I could hear you talking earlier…"

I manage a wan smile, appreciating his brotherly instincts. He still looks out for me. "I'm fine, just…processing some stuff."

He nods slowly, seeming to accept my vague response for the moment. Crossing the room, he settles on the edge of the bed, one large hand coming to rest on my knee. "Listen, Elyse…Jack told me about the situation with your internship."

My stomach dips as realization dawns. Of course, that's why he's here—to protect his team, not me. A fresh wave of hurt washes over me, quickly followed by simmering anger. How dare Jack discuss my private affairs without my consent?

Sensing my rising temper, Sam hurries on. "I know he probably should have let you explain first, but you know how protective he can be, especially when it comes to the team."

I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a placating hand. "Just hear me out, sis. Jack's…well, he's been through some stuff that makes him wary of letting people in too close, you know? Especially when it comes to the Firebirds—that's his whole life."

A pang of sympathy cuts through my indignation as I recall Jack's haunted expression when confronted by his ex. Jack has been hurt before, badly enough to scar him. Is it any wonder he's so guarded now?

Sam leans forward, his expression earnest. "I get that this internship is huge for you. You've worked your ass off to get here, but…the team…we're family too, and some of the stuff you might uncover…" He shakes his head slowly. "It could really mess things up for a lot of people who had nothing to do with it."

My heart sinks. He's worried I'll inadvertently implicate innocent parties—maybe even him. The thought of betraying my own brother leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

"We're not asking you to abandon your ethics or anything," he says, as if reading my mind. "Just…maybe find a way to do your job without dragging the whole team into it, you know? There has to be a middle ground."

I chew my lip, mulling over his words. As much as it pains me, I can't deny the truth in what he's saying. Is there a way to pursue this case while still protecting those uninvolved? A chance to have my cake and eat it too, so to speak?

Before I can formulate a response, another voice cuts through my musings. "You in here, Elyse?"

Jack appears in the doorway, his broad shoulders seeming to fill the frame. His eyes find mine, holding my gaze with an inscrutable expression. I'm struck by just how imposing he can be—a force of nature contained within that muscular frame.

I straighten instinctively, squaring my shoulders as if bracing for battle. "I'm here."

Sam's gaze darts between us, and he runs a hand through his hair. "I'll just…I need to feed the cat." He gets up from the bed and rushes from the room to feed an imaginary cat neither he nor Jack own.

Jack steps fully into the room, his movements fluid yet powerful. Like a great cat stalking its prey. He comes to a stop before me, arms folded across his chest. "We need to talk."

The words are simple but heavy. There's an undercurrent of tension and unresolved conflict simmering between us. Part of me wants to lash out, to insist he has no right to tell me what to do or dictate my career choices.

But another part wants nothing more than to throw myself into his embrace, to lose myself in the solace of his powerful arms and let him chase away the doubts and fears swirling within me. I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry as cotton. "So talk."

His jaw tightens slightly before he speaks. "I know you've been tasked with digging into Firebird business as part of your internship, and I get that you're just doing your job." His gaze bores into me, as if willing me to understand. "But you need to back off, Elyse. This is bigger than some silly internship or a chance to impress your bosses."

The words are like a physical blow, stealing my breath. My cheeks flush with a combination of anger and humiliation as Sam's earlier sentiment is echoed so bluntly by Jack's lips. Is that truly all he thinks this is? Just a chance for me to puff out my chest and show off? That I'd use him and his team to advance my career?

Hurt lances through me, quickly followed by a surge of defiance. Who is he to diminish my aspirations with such callous disregard? This internship means everything to me. It's the first step on the path I've been striving for my entire life.

"You don't understand," I say, struggling to keep my tone even. "This is my career we're talking about, Jack. My future. I can't just abandon that on your say-so."

Jack's eyes narrow fractionally. "Can't you, though? When the alternative is exposing things that could hurt a lot of innocent people?"

His words give me pause, Sam's earlier warning ringing in my ears. As much as I want to rail against his arrogance and high-handed dismissal of something so precious to me…I can't deny the truth of what he's saying.

By pursuing this case against Reginald Mathews and the Firebirds, I could very well implicate those who had no part in any wrongdoing. Players like Sam, who were simply following orders, unaware of any unethical practices.

Yet how unaware could they be? They must have known Vince was hurt and playing when he shouldn't have. That's disturbing, but could any of them have done anything even if they were aware of the situation? Other than staging a mass refusal to play, I can't think of a way any individual players could effect change for Vince.

The questions swirl in my mind, making me queasy. How can I reconcile my principles with the prospect of harming those closest to me?

I must look as stricken as I feel because his expression softens ever-so-slightly. He steps close enough for me to catch the faint, intoxicating scent of his cologne.

"I'm not saying abandon your dreams, Elyse. I'm just asking you to find another way. One that doesn't put innocent people at risk."

Dammit. He and Sam are right. As painful as it is to admit, I can't pursue this case in good conscience using the methods Mr. Kobin wants me to if it means jeopardizing those uninvolved.

Like a deflating balloon, I feel the fight go out of me. My shoulders slump as I raise my gaze to meet Jack's intense stare. "What do you want me to do?" It feels wrong to be asking him that, but I genuinely don't know how to proceed, and I'm trusting him to give me good advice.

His calloused fingertips graze my jaw. The simple touch sends a shiver down my spine. "Be honest with your bosses," he says simply. "Tell them you can't be involved in this case due to the conflict of interest. They'll understand. Good lawyers always avoid even the appearance of impropriety."

His thumb traces the curve of my jaw, and I have to resist the urge to lean into his touch. "Get them to give you other work, other cases to cut your teeth on. Ones that don't put you at odds with the people you…care about."

The unspoken words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning. People I care about. Is that all we are? Just people who care for each other? Or is there more simmering beneath the surface, waiting to be stoked into an all-consuming blaze?

I hold his gaze for a long moment, searching the molten depths of those gray eyes. What I find there both thrills and terrifies me—a spark of the same longing that courses through my veins.

At last, I give the smallest of nods. "Okay. I'll do it. I'll talk to them first thing tomorrow." I expect to feel irritated for giving in to pressure from both Jack and Sam, so it's a surprise to feel mostly relief mixed with a little dread about speaking to my bosses.

My reaction tells me I'm doing the right thing, even if it's contrary to everything I've learned as a woman—to make my own decisions and never let a man influence me. Maybe there's more nuance to some situations than I considered and couldn't understand until actually experiencing one.

The words seem to relax something within him. His shoulders lose their taut line as he exhales slowly, the sound stirring the fine hairs at my temple. "Thank you," he says, so low I almost don't catch it.

Before I can react, he leans in and presses a whisper of a kiss to my forehead. It's over in a heartbeat, leaving me dazed and reeling in its wake. When I finally find my voice, Jack has already turned and started for the door. "Jack, wait…"

He pauses in the doorway with one hand braced on the frame as he glances back at me over his shoulder. For an endless moment, our gazes lock, a thousand unspoken words passing between us in that heated silence.

Just like that, the spell is broken. He gives me a curt nod, his expression unreadable once more. "We'll talk more later" is all he says before disappearing from sight, leaving me alone with my whirling thoughts and the lingering tingle of his kiss still burning on my skin.