Chapter 4

The backcountry route was far more grueling than I had anticipated.

Julian was an incredible skier, but he never sped ahead to leave me behind.

He stayed exactly three yards ahead of me, carving a path through the fresh powder, stopping at every dangerous turn to wait for me.

"Keep your center of gravity low. Don't be afraid," his voice came through the walkie-talkie, steady and incredibly grounding.

Meanwhile, the red team was a disaster.

Hailey screamed the entire way, constantly wiping out or getting her skis stuck.

Brandon hovered over her, even taking off his own outer jacket to lay it on the snow so she could sit and rest.

During our lunch break at the mid-mountain lodge, I was holding a mug of hot water to warm my hands.

Hailey walked over, her eyes rimmed with red.

"Chloe," she said, biting her lip with a victimized expression. "I’m so sorry. I know you and Brandon are close colleagues. He's been so busy taking care of me that he ignored you. Please don't be mad at him."

On the surface, it was an apology. In reality, she was claiming ownership, while subtly reducing my seven-year history with Brandon to being "close colleagues."

Before I could speak, Brandon strode over, instantly pulling Hailey behind him.

"Chloe, Hailey is easily frightened. Stop giving her attitude."

Looking at Brandon’s protective stance, I found it utterly pathetic.

"Brandon, which of your eyes saw me giving her attitude?"

"Don't lie," Brandon said, his brow furrowed with deep disappointment. "I know you're upset. But Hailey just got back to the country. She has no one else here. As her old friend, it’s only right that I help her."

"As a senior director of the firm, you have no professional grace. You're behaving like a jealous child. I’m truly disappointed in you."

I looked at him as if he were a stranger.

This was the man I had loved. To protect another woman, he didn't hesitate to drag my name through the mud in public.

"Are you done?" I set my mug down, not giving him another second of my time. "If you're done, get lost. You're ruining my lunch."

Infuriated by my dismissive tone, Brandon was about to snap when Julian walked over, carrying two plates of grilled steak.

He sat down right next to me, sliding one plate in front of me, his voice casual but dripping with authority.

"Eat up. You need to keep your strength. Don't waste your energy on irrelevant people."

"Julian, don't cross the line!" Brandon spat, his teeth clenched.

Julian didn't even look up. He cut a piece of steak, chewed it slowly, and then finally raised his cold eyes to Brandon.

"Aren't you overstepping, Brandon?" Julian’s voice was like ice. "You protect your ex, I protect my partner. We mind our own business. Or what? Are you trying to keep both?"

Brandon’s face went pale. Julian's sharp words hit him right where it hurt, leaving him completely speechless.

He glared at me one last time, grabbed Hailey's hand, and stormed off.