Chapter 0023
Janet’s Point of View
I stood stunned in Elena’s doorway, watching as Edward stepped forward beside me. I never expected him to defend me like this. Flora clearly thought I would be fired on the spot-the look of shock on her face was almost worth the whole ordeal. I bit my lip to hold back a smile, thinking how funny it was that she didn’t realize Edward was just a client, not someone in charge.
“Ms. Martinez,” Flora said, her voice suddenly soft and trembling. She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “I came here seeking help, but Janet was so harsh with me. So judgmental. I opened up about my grief, about my feelings, and she…” Flora’s voice broke dramatically, “she attacked me.”
I kept my face neutral, though inside I was rolling my eyes. Flora’s victim act was so familiar-I’d seen it countless times before.
Edward cleared his throat. “I think you should drop the act, Ms. Reynolds. It doesn’t suit you.”
Flora’s head snapped up, tears miraculously gone. “Excuse me?”
“Being harsh and lying about Janet here,” Edward continued calmly. “It’s not a good look.”
Elena looked between us, confusion clear on her face. “Mr. Jones, I appreciate your concern, but perhaps you should—”
“No, please,” Edward said. “I was outside Janet’s office. I heard what was happening.” He turned to Flora. “Janet here has been doing wonderful work. I’m living proof of that.”
I felt a warm rush of gratitude toward Edward, though I wished he hadn’t jumped into the middle of this.
Flora’s face flushed red as she stood up. “Who are you to interfere? You’re not even in charge here! Why are you defending her so strongly?” She looked between Edward and me, her eyes narrowing. Then her lips curled into a nasty smile. “Oh, I understand now. He’s your sugar daddy, isn’t he? That’s how you landed this job with your fake credentials.”
I couldn’t help it-I burst out laughing. The idea was so ridiculous, so far from the truth. Edward joined me, shaking his head.
“Not everyone is like you, Ms. Reynolds,” Edward said coolly. “Some people don’t need to go through men to get what they want. Janet is here because she’s brilliant at what she does. She’s compassionate, insightful, and qualified-more than qualified.
“He looked at me with admiration that made me slightly uncomfortable. “In just a few sessions, she’s helped me more than months of therapy elsewhere. She’s remarkable.”
Flora’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. She turned to Elena, clearly expecting support.
“Dr. Martinez, surely you can see what’s happening here?”
Elena folded her hands on her desk. “Ms. Reynolds, I’m not sure what happened in your session with Janet, but perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Janet has been nothing short of miraculous since she joined our team. She’s one of the best doctors we
have.”
Flora’s face contorted with rage. She snatched up her purse. “This is absurd! I’ll sue this entire clinic! You’ll be hearing from my lawyers!” She stormed past us, bumping my shoulder hard as she went.
Elena sighed as Flora’s angry footsteps echoed down the hall. “Janet, I am so sorry. This is entirely my fault. I asked you to take her case without knowing there might be… complications.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said quickly. “You couldn’t have known.”
She looked at Edward. “And Mr. Jones, I apologize that you had to witness that scene.
Edward waved his hand dismissively. “I’m not offended at all. I’m just concerned about Janet.”
Elena studied my face. “Janet, you look exhausted. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? I can reschedule your afternoon appointments.”
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I started to protest, but realized a break was exactly what I needed. “Thank you. I think that would be good.”
As we left Elena’s office, Edward walked close beside me. “Let me drive you home,” he offered. “You’ve had a rough day.”
“That’s very kind,” I said carefully, “but someone is coming to pick me up. He will be here any moment from now.”
Edward’s eyebrows rose slightly. “Oh? He must be worried waiting for you.”
I noticed his use of “he” and his curious tone. “I’ll be fine, really.”
“Your boyfriend?” Edward asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
I chuckled, feeling awkward. “No, not my boyfriend. It’s just-”
“You don’t need to explain,” Edward cut in quickly. “It’s none of my business. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I am,” I assured him. “And thank you again for standing up for me back there.”
We reached the lobby, and through the glass doors, I could see Peter’s car pulling up to the curb. Just in time I needed him. Jasper had already informed me he wouldn’t be coming to pick me up.
“My ride is here,” I said, relieved. “I should go.”
Edward nodded, though he looked like he wanted to say more. “I’ll see you at our next session, then?”
“Of course,” I smiled. “Take care, Edward.”
I hurried out to Peter’s car, sliding into the passenger seat with a sigh of relief.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” Peter said, flashing his movie-star smile. “Traffic was crazy.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, buckling my seatbelt. “I’m just glad to be leaving.”
Peter pulled away from the curb, glancing at me with concern. “Rough day?”
I nodded but didn’t elaborate. The last thing I wanted was to burden my youngest brother with my problems. Peter, with his carefree spirit and golden life as an actor and music producer, shouldn’t have to deal with the drama of my past.
“Hey, why so quiet?” Peter asked after a few minutes of silence. “That’s not like you.”
I forced a smile. “Just tired. Tell me about your day instead.”
Peter studied me for a moment, then seemed to decide not to push. “Alright, but I know just what you need.” He reached for the car’s sound system and pressed a button. “A little music therapy.”
A catchy melody filled the car, with a beat that was impossible not to move to. Despite my mood, I found myself nodding along. By the time the chorus hit, I was singing along softly.
Peter looked delighted. “You like this one?”
“I love it,” I admitted. “It’s so upbeat. Makes you want to dance.”
Peter’s grin widened. “Well, I hope so. I wrote and produced it for Mia Lee.”
My mouth fell open. “You’re kidding! This is your song?”
“Yep,” he said proudly. “Hit number three on the charts last week.”
“Peter, that’s amazing!” I exclaimed, genuinely impressed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He shrugged, though I could tell he was pleased by my reaction. “I didn’t want to brag. But seeing you enjoy it… that means
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+15 BONUS
more than any chart position.”
For the rest of the drive home, Peter told me stories about working with Mia Lee and other artists. His enthusiasm was infectious, and by the time we pulled into the driveway, my earlier stress had mostly melted away.
Tracy greeted us at the door, the smell of something delicious wafting from the kitchen. “Perfect timing! Lunch is ready.”
“It smells amazing,” I said, following her to the dining room.
“Just a simple pasta dish,” Tracy said modestly, though the table was set beautifully with a colorful salad, fresh bread, and the pasta that looked anything but “simple.”
The three of us ate, chatting about light topics. I mostly listened as Peter told Tracy about his upcoming film project and a new song he was working on. It felt so normal, so comfortable-like we’d been doing this forever, not just for a few days.
After lunch, I helped Tracy clear the dishes, then excused myself to take a nap. My room was becoming a sanctuary, a place that felt truly mine in a way my room at Rowan’s house never had.
I had just changed into comfortable clothes when there was a knock at my door.
“Come in,” I called.
Jasper appeared, his large frame filling the doorway. His face was serious, concerned. “Hey, sis. Got a minute?”
“Of course,” I said, sitting on the edge of my bed.
He came in and sat beside me, the mattress dipping under his weight. “I heard what happened at the clinic today.”
I sighed. “News travels fast.”
“Elena called me,” he explained. “She was worried about you.”
Of course she had called Jasper. I kept forgetting that he was an investor in the clinic, that he probably knew Elena well.
“It’s this patient of mine. She was so rude, and you know how our work can be,” I said, not wanting to go too deep about what happened.
“Elena said it’s her fault. She kind of wanted you to attend to her. I’m very sorry you passed through that today when I wasn’t around.” Jasper’s apologetic look made it so hard for me, as if he was the one at fault.
“It’s nothing, and mind you, not all patients are this easy to deal with,” I paused.
“I had help,” I admitted. “A patient of mine, Edward, stepped in when Flora was at her worst.”
“Good for him,” Jasper nodded approvingly. “It’s nice to know people had your back today.”
“It is,” I agreed, feeling a lump form in my throat. For so many years, I’d been alone, fighting my battles with no one in my corner. Now I had Jasper, Tracy, Peter, and my other brothers, even my colleagues at the clinic. “It’s still strange to me-having people who care, who protect me.”
Jasper put his arm around my shoulders and squeezed gently. “Get used to it, sis. That’s what family does.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Then Jasper stood, patting my hand. “Get some rest. You’ve earned it.”
“Thanks,” I said softly. “For checking on me.”
He smiled. “Always will.”
After Jasper left, I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Despite the drama with Flora, a warm feeling of contentment spread through me. For the first time in years-maybe ever-I felt truly safe, truly valued.
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I closed my eyes, a smile on my lips. I might not have everything figured out yet, but I had people who believed in me, who stood up for me. I had a family.
And right now, that felt like being on top of the world.
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