My hand rested on my stomach again.

The baby was a secret I had to protect, along with my career.

A knock on the door made me jump.

Julian Leprince stood in the doorway, a smug smile on his face.

“Elila,” he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “You look tired.”

“I’ve had a lot on my mind, Julian,” I said, keeping my voice steady.

“I imagine you have,” he said, leaning against the edge of my desk. “The board is looking for someone to blame for the recent quality control issues.”

“And you think that’s me?” I asked.

“The evidence points to the lab,” he said softly. “Specifically, your station.”

I took a deep breath, playing my part.

“I can’t go to prison, Julian,” I said, letting a tremor slip into my voice. “I have… personal reasons why I can’t.”

Julian’s eyes flicked to my midsection for a brief second.

“Then maybe you shouldn’t stay,” he said.

“I don’t have the money to start over somewhere else,” I said, looking down at my hands. “Leprince Corp is my only source of income.”