19-Love After Heartbreak

Anna adjusted her handbag again and glanced towards the road.

She was already running late, and she had no intention of spending the rest of her morning arguing with her boss about a matter she had never invited him into.

"I have to leave sir," she said, taking a step away from him. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't come to my apartment again to discuss something I haven't asked you to discuss."

Elliot's face hardened. "You're welcome to refuse my help, Anna, but don't mistake my willingness to help you for an obligation to tolerate your attitude."

She stopped and turned back towards him. "And don't mistake my gratitude for permission to interfere in my life."

Their eyes met.

Neither of them looked willing to withdraw their words.

Elliot eventually slipped the envelope back into his jacket. His expression was unreadable, but the irritation in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Fine," he said curtly. "Have it your way."

"Thank you." She walked towards the main road without waiting for another response.

Elliot remained beside his car, watching her leave.

He never imagined that trying to protect someone could leave him feeling so thoroughly dismissed. He had gone out of his way to gather information that might help her, only for her to reject it without even knowing what was inside the envelope.

He wasn't expecting her to fall at his feet in gratitude, but he certainly hadn't expected to be treated like an intruder.

With a frustrated sigh, he opened the driver's door and got in.

For several seconds, he sat without starting the engine.

Then his phone rang.

It was the private investigator.

Elliot answered and placed the phone against his ear. "I'm listening."

"Good morning, Mr Hayes. I've made some progress regarding the information you requested."

Elliot leaned back against his seat, his expression returning to its usual seriousness.

"Go ahead."

"Jacob Williams has been making enquiries about Ms Sinclair through several people. He's also been in contact with someone who appears to know her personally. We're still trying to establish the nature of their relationship."

Elliot's eyes narrowed. "Someone who knows Anna?"

"Yes, sir. We haven't confirmed everything yet, but the communication between them seems to have started recently. There are indications that this person may have provided Jacob with information about her."

Elliot's fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "Do we know why?"

"Not yet. I'm looking into it."

"Find out who this person is, how they know Anna and why they're communicating with Jacob. I want the full picture."

"Understood, sir."

"And don't approach either of them. I don't want them knowing we're investigating." He said.

"Of course." Elliot ended the call and stared through the windscreen.

Anna had made her position clear. She didn't want his help, and he had no intention of forcing information on her. But the investigator's update had raised another concern.

Jacob might not be acting alone.

He could respect Anna's wish to stay out of her personal affairs, but he wasn't going to ignore a possible threat simply because she doesn't want his interference.

He started the engine and drove towards the company.

***

Anna arrived at work several minutes later than usual.

She greeted the receptionist, took the elevator to her floor and headed straight for her desk. She was still irritated by the morning's encounter, particularly because Elliot had made her feel as though she owed him an explanation for refusing his interference.

She placed her handbag beside her chair and switched on her computer.

A few minutes later, her phone vibrated. She checked her phone, it was Georgia’s message.

*Good morning. Have you eaten?*

Anna smiled faintly at the message. Georgia had developed a habit of checking on her meals, and although she sometimes found it amusing, she appreciated the concern.

*Not yet. I'll get something during lunch.*

Georgia replied almost immediately. *That's what you said yesterday. Please eat something this morning.*

Anna shook her head, smiling as she typed. *I will. Promise.*

She put her phone away and began reviewing the documents on her desk.

She was determined not to let the morning's argument affect her work. Whatever Elliot thought about her refusal, she needed to make it clear that she was there to do her job, not become another person he could manage outside the office.

A little while later, the sound of approaching footsteps made her look up.

Elliot had arrived.

He walked past her desk without stopping, his expression composed. Anna straightened slightly, preparing to greet him, but he only gave a brief nod before disappearing into his office.

She watched the door close.

Obviously he was offended by how she spoke to him but she just have to be like that. What's his business with her life? Shouldn't he be cold and strict?

Anna returned her attention to the computer, refusing to let herself feel guilty.

She had done nothing wrong by setting a boundary.

And if Elliot Hayes had a problem with that, he would have to learn to live with it.