Matthew’s head whipped to the side as the resounding crack echoed in the mostly empty boardroom. He heard Emma’s gasp, but not much else. It felt like his head was full of static.

He had been slapped.

Ross had slapped him. Ross had slapped his childhood friend on the face, in front of Emma. Matthew gritted his teeth, suppressing the burning rage inside of him. He couldn’t take Ross head on.

Ross had always been bigger, stronger and faster, while Matthew remained the smarter, more ...