lose in on him as he paced back and forth, his mind racing with the dire consequences of his company's impending collapse. The stock market h

r eyes wide with concern. As Jonathan scanned the dismal reports, his gaze swept across the spreadsheets, the numbers blurring together in a sea of red ink. For a fleeting

e muttered to himself, his voice a cold, hard whisper. His assistant returned, her expression somber, her eyes downcast. "Sir, the numbers are not looking good. We're on the

"Summon the board. We n

she said, ex

do will put him on Janet's bad side again, but he'd make

dialed Janet's number. Voicemail picked up

you tonight, but it'll have to wait. Bear with me, and I'll make

number, his expression d

ituation that requires your attention. Don't delay; this is priorit

esk, anger simmering beneath the surf

ohnson account numbers.

ger flared, h

n? I thought we

Johnsons are talking to Jare

s narrowed, hi

d's number,"

ow

the door as if seeking escape. "Jonathan, I don't thin

"Get me the number, now. Or do you want

opping. "Okay, okay. I'll get it." She ha

with strategies to destroy Jared and the Johnsons. H

a paper with the number. "Be careful

aling the number. Jared's smoot

, venom in his voice. "I hear you're s

you're predictable. Of course, I'm after the

"You're making a grave mistake, Jared

Jonathan. Meet me at midnight at the

n seething. He took a deep breath,

han ordered his assistant. "Secrets

d, fearful. "Yes, J

struction. Only one man would emerge victor

rom room to room, her mind still entranced by Jared's captivating presence a

him, hard," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks flu

de her feel – seen, heard, and understood – that truly drew her in. Jo

e gallery. Jared's attentive listening, infectious laughter, and piercin

shake off the daydream. "You're committed to Jonathan."

erself about her desires? The

hone buzzed with a text from Jonathan. His

g late tonight. Do

t. The contrast between Jonathan's detached tone and Jared'

pointment and relief intertwining. She wasn't ready to fei

ulse quickening with each passing minute. She knew the risks of g

h possibilities. Betraying Jonathan weighed heavily on

he silence. Jared's name flashed on the s

ut you," his message read. "Want to grab co

she shouldn't encourage this, but her

trembling through her. "But we have

n't worry, my dear. Our secret is

e felt a thrill of excitement mixed wi