Elara Vance stood firm as Ethan Stone's eyes widened in disbelief.
"But Mrs. Thorne, Mr. Thorne specifically said—"
"I heard what you said," Elara cut him off, her voice calm but resolute. "And I'm telling you that I'm leaving for the day. The file will be here tomorrow morning."
Ethan clutched the folder tighter, his knuckles turning white. "He won't be pleased."
"That's not my concern anymore." Elara picked up her purse and walked past him.
She felt lighter with each step toward the elevator. For years, she'd jumped at Damien's every command, sacrificing evenings, weekends, even holidays to meet his unreasonable demands. Not tonight.
As the elevator doors closed, she caught a glimpse of Ethan hurrying toward Damien's office, no doubt to report her insubordination. Let him. She had more important things to worry about.
In his corner office, Damien Thorne frowned as Ethan explained the situation.
"She refused to take the file, sir. Said she was done for the day."