"Before this gets out," he continues, like I didn't even speak. "Before the media catches wind of it. Before the board starts asking questions."
There it is….there's no concern.Not are you okay?Not what happened?
Just…. Worried about his reputation and image.
My jaw clenches.
"I'm not going back right now," I say, my voice lower now.
There's a pause then...
"You're not going back?" he repeats, like I just said something ridiculous.
"No."
Silence stretches for a second then his tone drops....dangerously quiet.
"Elaine… don't be foolish.
I close my eyes briefly.
"I just got kidnapped," I say, the words coming out sharper now. "I was tied up, beaten, starved…."
"And you're alive," he interrupts flatly. "So what is the problem now?"
That….That does it.
"That's your response?" I ask, disbelief creeping into my voice. "That's all you have to say?"
"You're being emotional," he replies, dismissive. "What matters now is fixing this situation before it spirals."
