worried to ice. His jaw clenched. His eyes were empty. The vulnerability she'd seen a few

ojections showing large losses in the European division. The numbers are inflate

unreadable. Emma saw his fingers tighten

't matter. The board is in a panic. Victor Hayes called an emergency meet

out proper notice. The byl

The leak, the market drop, the calls f

enched. "Good.

still holding the plant he'd given her. Something crossed his face, concern perhaps, regret, b

s,

she watched him go. The click of the latch was

be?" "I don't know. But ever since he took over, Victor Hayes has been after Damien.She

false documents, just so he could creat

? "Emma?" Sophia's voice drew her from her thoughts. "You su

d. Take care of yourself. "Damien's g

ing Emma alone with h

y meeting st

nts, sent apologies to the executives waiting for him, ordered coffee and pastries t

osed doors of the boardroom, listeni

mien's smooth baritone slicin

ding as she put he

n said. "That's obvious to anybody wi

Victor's voice came back. The market is responding.

ilt this company from nothing? Or removing th

atisfied smile, the chill calculation in his eyes. And he

d her to hel

ily to her desk. Her phone rang. Unknown number.

ct

she stared at it and typed

ity. Now you are to build results. "

hearing Damien's voice through the wall, s

said you can trust me and looked at her. The vuln

answer. "I c

other's care will be uninterrupted. "Mind what you think

e phone as if i

walls closing in. There was betrayal all a

en her a chance. Or hurt the

eek. She angrily wiped it a

ere has t

anything, but she took his money. She hadn't promi

y guilty. Alre

m doors open

faces grim. Not one of them glanced at E

o go. He stopped at her des

hope you've been

beneath the desk.

That is all he says. Everything he accomplishes. Every flaw in his

ay, and did

ator doors close behind him and then she exh

standing there, sleeves rolled up, loose

rter. C

ved towards him, her heart

d. His eyes met hers, and for a moment the mask slipp

said in a low voice. They'll t

been on this case for months. The documents leaked are just the beginning. He will find more. If he ne

Demonstrate that the company is stronger than ever." He turned to

wn eyes and the slight tremor in his hands he was trying to hide. "I n

words hung in the air, p

meone I c

And suddenly the truth felt like it was burning a hole right throu

lat. "I was hired to watch you. I'm on the board

ds neve

efore her. The bills. Warn

ead. Nothing. I just I wanted to s

for something he couldn't name. "Thank you," he s

I want all the financial records for the European division. Ev

Victor throws at me next week, I want you to know that you a

rt brok

and ran from his office before he s

hecked data until her eyes blurred. She didn't eat lunch. Missed Dinner. Cloc

didn't drink,

r to think

s silent, the lights on the executive floor dimming a

s. She g

r, hair slightly mussed. He looked as if he hadn't sl

alted at her desk. "H

gry. Or

away. "Lost t

ou got to take care of your

an't,

heat. His eyes scanned her face, noting every detail. "Why are you here? he asked softly. "What do you mean? "

t her hands. I n

ot the who

w too much, read too deep. "What makes you say that?" "Because I k

the man behind the billionaire. The orphan who built an em

d been diffe

ed. "I have somethin

laxed. "The

thing," she said. "Promise me you'll continue to fight. What

nd like a goodbye?" "It's not a goodbye

long moment, and then

h. It would not be enough, e

s. He whispered, "Go home." "Go get some

ble to trust he

d he walked toward his off

. "

tell me, I am here whenever

ished

slung over her shoulder, he

He knows s

herself to say the word

automatic, her mind a turmoi

opened. Sh

hone

ct

gain, Miss Carter. Th

wn reflection staring back at he

an who was beginning to be everythi

tor start

by remaining silent. Next time