Alexander Vale 18    

Ethan's lips curled in a mocking half-smile. "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, Vale," he mused. "The world is round, and one morning, you just might find yourself at the bottom."

Alexander patted Ethan's shoulder lightly, a move so condescending it was almost insulting. "Same to you, Carter."

Ethan's eyes darkened, but he didn't rise to the bait. Instead, he cast one last look at Celeste—one filled with a meaning she understood all too well.

"If you ever find yourself without a job," Ethan murmured, his lips curling at the corners, "you know where to find me. I might just take you back if you beg."

And with that, he walked away.

Celeste clenched her jaw. She knew exactly what Ethan was implying. He was collecting evidence to bring Alexander down. Or waiting for Alexander to grow tired of her, to cast her aside so she would come crawling back.