Chapter Eighteen—Kahlan’s POV—On Gunpoint 

The tension in the lounge was suffocating.

Aldrich's cold blue eyes pinned me to my seat, his gaze unreadable yet razor-sharp, like he was dissecting me with every second that passed.

"Say it again," he ordered, voice low, measured.

I swallowed hard. "I left because I wanted to," I said, forcing the words out, my throat dry.

Aldrich leaned back, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowing. "That's bullshit."

I clenched my fists beneath the table. He saw through me. He knew something was off.

I couldn't let him see me break.

"I left to spite you," I added quickly, my pulse hammering. "I got tired of the way you treated me—like some incompetent child. I wanted to prove I didn't need you."

The words physically hurt coming out of my mouth.

Just as I could tell they hurt him as he sat across from me, staring right through me. 

But even with his keenness, I could tell he could not see through what was wrong. 

Aldrich's lips curled into a sneer. "That's rich, Kahlan. You ran off like a coward and now what? You suddenly want your job back?"

I hesitated. "I—I just need—"

"You disgust me."

The words hit me like a slap.

A bitter laugh left his lips, but it held no amusement. "You think I'd let you crawl back after pulling a stunt like this?"

I bit my lip hard, my fingernails digging into my palms.

"I never want to see you again," he spat, shoving back his chair as he stood up. "You're done, Kahlan. Get the hell out of my life."

I opened my mouth, but the words got stuck.

Aldrich turned without a second glance and strode toward the counter.

My hands shook as I reached for my phone, my pulse erratic.

Then the phone rang.

I picked it up with trembling fingers, my breath coming out in sharp, uneven gasps.

A smooth, chilling voice greeted me. "Kahlan."

I froze.

No. No, no, no.

"He's leaving," the voice continued, calm, detached. "And if he steps out of that lounge without you by his side, we'll put a bullet through his head."

My breath caught.

I couldn't breathe.

"I don't understand! What the fuck do you mean? You wanted me out of his life and I have done just that!"

"You're not the one to tell us what we want." The dark voice growled back. 

"No," I whispered. "No, please— What exactly do you want?"

"Adjust to the change in plans. Get your fucking job back!"

"I can't I…"

"You've been given your task," the voice cut me off. "You either get it done, or you watch him die."

I choked on a sob. "I—I can't—he already made up his mind, there's nothing I can do—"

"You have ten seconds."

I squeezed my eyes shut, panic roaring in my ears.

Please, please just let him go.

"Five."

Tears burned my eyes.

I had no choice.

Aldrich was almost at the door.

I ran.

I ran so fast that I didn't feel my legs beneath me. I shoved past chairs, ignoring the startled gasps of people as I crashed toward him.

Aldrich was reaching for the door handle when I threw myself forward, grabbing his arm.

"Please," I gasped, tears streaming down my face. "Please, don't leave me."

He turned, his expression darkening with pure irritation.

"Are you serious right now?" His voice was sharp, cutting.

I cried harder.

"I need this job," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'll do anything, Aldrich. Just—please don't let me go."

He yanked his arm away, jaw tightening.

"I already told you no," he said coldly. "You have no dignity, do you?"

I collapsed to my knees.

A few people in the lounge turned to stare, murmuring among themselves.

Aldrich's entire body went stiff.

I grabbed onto his leg, desperate, shaking.

I had never begged for anything in my life. Not like this.

But if I didn't stop him, they would kill him.

"Please," I sobbed. "I have nothing left. Just—just let me work for you. I won't be a problem. I swear, I won't even speak unless spoken to—just let me stay."

Aldrich's hands clenched into fists. His jaw ticked as he looked down at me, his face burning with humiliation.

I could feel his anger. His disgust.

But he didn't walk away.

Instead, after a long, agonizing silence, he exhaled sharply.

"Fine."

Relief flooded me so violently, I almost collapsed.

Aldrich yanked his leg away from my grip, grabbing my arm and hauling me up.

"If you ever pull something like this again," he muttered, voice low with anger, "I swear, I'll make you regret it."

I nodded frantically, wiping at my tears.

Aldrich turned and stormed out, shoving the door open.

My phone vibrated in my palm.

I lifted it slowly.

A single message flashed across the screen.

"Well done."

My stomach twisted into a painful knot.

The next day, I stood frozen outside Kingsport Companies, staring up at the gleaming glass building, a little branch built out here in London, nothing compared to what was in New York.

I had returned.

Not because I wanted to.

But because I had no other choice.

I walked inside, the air-conditioned lobby sending chills down my spine as I stepped toward the elevator.

My body felt heavy, my mind clouded with exhaustion.

I knew I was being watched.

I could feel it.

Every step I took felt like walking into a trap.

I passed Amelia's desk, her eyes widening in shock as she saw me. I was equally surprised. 

"Kahlan?" she gasped. "You're back?"

I forced a weak smile. "Yeah. Goodness, Amelia… you travelled all the way here?"

She blinked rapidly, looking between me and Aldrich's office. "Yeah, I guess. The boss said I had to come down and pick up his tasks urgently. He instantly booked my flight to London. I was shocked. I kept wondering what happened to you but he wouldn't come straight. You know how he is…"

"Yeah, I…"

"But where had you gone?"

Before I could respond, Aldrich's voice boomed from his office.

"Walsh!"

I stiffened.

I walked in.

Aldrich sat at his desk, flipping through a file. He didn't look up.

"You start today," he said flatly.

I hesitated. "I—"

He finally lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp. "If you're going to cry again, get out now."

I swallowed hard. "No, sir."

He smirked coldly. "Good. Now get to work."

I turned away quickly, tears burning the back of my eyes.