Sallie's POV
Under my puzzled stare, the boss leaned closer and whispered, "Here's several months' salary. Someone warned me not to hand this over, but I'm doing it anyway."
I blinked in shock, then quickly pushed the cash back toward him. "This is too much," I protested, "and I haven't even completed a full month."
"Take it. No discussion," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I feel terrible about letting you go without reason. Keep this—it'll help me sleep better."
Warmth flooded through me. If anyone owes an apology, it's me. The Noah family wouldn't be dealing with any of this mess if it weren't for me.
My voice shook as I said, "Thank you, and I'm sorry."
"This isn't on you. Why the hell are you apologizing?" he snapped. "The ones who should be sorry are those bastards deliberately targeting you."
"Whoever's plotting against a kid like you from the shadows is nothing but a worthless piece of trash."
