Mag-log inThe admission confirms my worst fears about the position I've placed her in. By asking her to investigate Derek and Olivia, I've turned her into a potential target while compromising her professional standing. If Derek discovers her searches, he could have her fired for unauthorized access, ensuring
"You look tired, Lila," I say, keeping my voice gentle despite the urgency building in my chest. "Long night?" Her laugh carries no humor, emerging sharp and brittle in the ambient noise of clinking cups and muted conversations. "You could say that." She glances around the coffee shop once more bef
Geneva. Asset redistribution. Contingency plans. The phrases swirl in my mind as I read through the entire thread, each exchange revealing additional layers of coordination between Derek, Olivia, and unnamed external parties. References to account access, documentation preparation, and something cal
Derek Wolfe's communication patterns emerge first, predictable in their professional efficiency. Client emails follow standard templates, internal memos maintain appropriate corporate tone, scheduling confirmations arrive with clockwork regularity. But threaded through these routine exchanges are an
"I hope not," I say simply. "But I need to be certain." She nods slowly, understanding passing between us without the need for explicit explanation. Her pen returns to the paper, capturing the parameters of her assignment with renewed focus. "Complete discretion," she repeats, more to herself than
"Send her in," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. Lila enters with her characteristic energy, a leather portfolio clutched against her chest and a pen already positioned in her hand as if she expects to take notes from the moment she sits down. Her burgundy blazer is perfectly pressed, her shoes
The lies are sweet, are beautiful, are mine. Derek doesn’t know how far I’ll go, doesn’t know how far he’ll go, doesn’t know what he’ll risk, doesn’t know, doesn’t know, doesn’t know. The office is empty when I leave, empty and silent and full of plans, of plans and danger and me. The client is m
We stand there, stand there and wait, stand there and want, stand there and be, be there and not be there, be there and somewhere else, somewhere we aren’t supposed to be. It’s never too late. The elevator reaches the lobby, and I hesitate, and Lucas doesn’t, and I follow, and he leads, and I fol
My body trembles, but not with the change, not with the heat of the change, not with the force of the change. It trembles with the force of the night, the force of the storm, the force of my heart. “Game on.” The memory is there, the memory of his betrayal, of his betrayal and my knowledge of
Lucas smiles, the expression almost teasing. “Sometimes it pays to take risks, Mara.” The use of my name is deliberate, intentional, and I feel my resistance falter, my defenses crumble. I don’t respond. I can’t respond. Not with words, not yet. I reach for a file, anything to keep the conversatio







