The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 9

Her hands shook as she clenched her fingers so tightly that her nails broke the skin. Blood welled in her palm.

The silence in the room felt almost suffocating.

“Petty? Petty…” Jared’s voice broke through, tight with concern.

Petty sat there, completely still, like she’d turned to ice. After what felt like ages, she finally moved her lips. Her face stayed calm, almost too calm. “Go ahead.”

Seeing her so composed—no tears, no anger—only made Jared worry more. He was afraid she’d bottle everything up and then do something she’d regret. But he still had to say what needed to be said. The decision was hers.

He slid a check across the desk. “This is from the James family. Compensation.”

Basically, they wanted her to just let it go.

Petty looked at the check.

Five million.

She never expected her injuries to be worth that much.

Jared tried to say a few comforting words, hoping it would help.

“Alright, I understand.” Petty took the check, stood up smoothly, and left the office.

The door clicked shut behind her. Jared stared at it, still frowning.

Petty had always been the type to face trouble head-on. Whenever something like this happened, she’d fight back, never backing down, never settling quietly. But this time, the person responsible had protection from the White family. Even if Jared wanted to help, his influence didn’t reach that far.

Honestly, he felt disappointed that Petty just took the money and walked away. He’d hired her because she was fearless, because she never shied away from the powerful.

That kind of drive was exactly what he needed in a reporter willing to dig up the dirt and shine a light on the ugly side of the world. Now, she was just letting it go?

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