Legally Not Yours

In Charge

POV: Leah Rosewood

I didn’t need a headline to know something was wrong. The second I walked into the office that morning, I saw Eva. Again. Sitting at the corner of Jeff Connors’ glass-walled office, legs crossed, laughing at something he said, like she hadn’t abandoned me for twenty years and called it growth.

She was there every day now. Popping in and out like she belonged. Smiling like she’d been part of this empire all along. She’s so fucking crazy, manipulative and very determinded when it comes to luring her target.

And Jeff? He didn’t laugh back. He barely looked at her. But he didn’t send her away either.

Which I can say that it was worse.

* * *

Later that day, Jeff snapped. Not just at me, at everyone.

The second he entered the boardroom, the temperature dropped ten degrees. He slammed the presentation folder onto the table so hard half the pens jumped.

“You two,” he hissed, eyes locked on Jared and Carlson. “Months of work. Millions on the line. And you flushed it for what? Your egos? A woman? This—” He pointed at me. “—is the only one in this building who hasn’t lost her mind.” I stiffened.

I wanted Jared to say something, to blame it on me too because we both erased it at the same time but, Jared said nothing. I looked at him confused. I turned to Carlson and he’s looking his dad, bored. He sat back, calm and quiet.

Eva, in the corner, folded her arms and said sweetly, “I hate to say it, but… I warned you. They’ve been sabotaging each other for weeks.” When she turned to me, her eyes changed instantly. She’s wicked and I’m still trying to find the answer on why this woman is here. She has enough connections to find wealthier man than Jeff. I guess Jeff is easy to manipulate, huh?

Jeff’s jaw clenched. “Then I’m done with both of them.”

I looked up. “What?”

Jeff faced me. “You want to prove yourself, Leah? You want to fix this mess?” I nodded slowly. “Then you’re going to take over the restructuring plan. And you’re going to decide which one of these idiots becomes CEO.” My heart stopped.

Jared’s head whipped toward me, he didn’t give me the reaction that I was hoping for. What is wrong with him? Where is the fight?

Carlson also didn’t move.

“You’re giving me the final decision?”

Jeff nodded. “You’ve proved me by your progress on the current project, I’ve been watching closely on how you analyze the case. How critical your decisions are on figuring out all the loop holes. You still need to learn, but I believe you can learn as you go. And frankly, you’re the only one I trust not to burn this company to the ground.”

* * *

That night I sat in the strategy room long after everyone had gone. Hands trembling and my mind spinning. They were both so different — and neither of them ready to lead. But one of them would be in charge. And the weight of that choice already felt like chains around my neck.

That’s when Carlson found me.

“Hey,” he said softly, stepping in and closing the door behind him.

I didn’t look up. “What the fuck do you want?”

“Leah, I’m not,” he said. “I just… needed to tell you something. Before you say anything…” I rolled my eyes before turning to him. I let out a scoff, “I don’t need your explanation.”

The pale skin, his tight jaw, too-casual shrug. A slightly different side of Carlson. Something’s not right, or maybe it’s just one of his games?

“What is it?” I asked coldly.

He walked closer. Sat beside me. “I’m sick.”

“Sick? Like what? A fever? Don’t be a fucking—”

“I didn’t want to say anything before. I didn’t want sympathy. But… I have leukemia. Stage three, the aggressive kind.” He cut me and my stomach dropped.

“Carlson… what the…”

“I found out three weeks ago. I’ve been trying to pretend I’m okay, but I’m not.”

Tears filled my eyes. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you’d look at me different. You already see Jared when you should see me.”

“I don’t—”

“I don’t have time, Leah.”

His hand gripped mine.

“I don’t have years. I have months. And I don’t want to die without knowing what it feels like to be chosen.”

“I’m not ready—”

“I’m not asking for forever. I’m asking for now. To have something good before I’m gone. To go knowing someone loved me enough to stay.” What is happening with the world?

“You’ll say yes,” he said softly, but I can hear a threat under that tone. “Because if you don’t, I go public with everything.” My breath caught.

“What are you talking about? What are you implying?”

“The sabotage. Jared’s emails. Your involvement. Everything that can pull you down and ruin you. I can destroy you until there’s no point of return.”

“You forged those—”

“Who’s going to believe you? Let me remind you, Leah. I have more power and connection than you. I can make sure that no one will accept you once you graduate and make sure that you have nothing left to save.” Shit. He’s a monster. I stared at him and I saw it.

Not the charming brother. The cold one. The strategic one. The manipulator I’d underestimated.

“I want the company,” he whispered. “But more than that, I want you so I’ll have both. Say yes and you’ll get what I get.” I can’t believe this. I wanted to slap him, to be mad at him, but I can’t.

And so I did what I needed to do, I agree with him.

I also didn’t cry. I didn’t scream.

I nodded, letting him know that I will agree with his plan.

And walked out of that room knowing I’d just sold my soul.