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Alex blew out a breath and nodded.

* * *

Ruth Everhart tuggedthe door of her townhouse shut, her red hair swept back in a demure low bun. Dressed in a tailored navy suit and her favorite pair of high heels, she made her way to her car, the early morning stillness clinging to the air. The drive to her office was just about twenty minutes, and she'd timed her departure perfectly for a quick stop at the Coffee Mate shop along the way.

The familiar jingle of the coffee shop’s door greeted her as she stepped inside. The scent of freshly brewed coffee was a comfort as she ordered a medium latte for her secretary, Melanie, and a medium Americano for her, plus two cranberry nut muffins. Within minutes, she was back in her car, sipping her warm drink and feeling the caffeine kick in as she navigated the highway to the city.

She pulled into the underground garage at Ellison & Grant, LLP and parked in her usual spot. The cold concrete walls echoed with the soft hum of engines, and she quickly grabbed her things, including the muffins and coffees, and headed to the elevator. As the doors closed, she let out a small sigh, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead.

When the elevator doors opened on the third floor, Ruth waved at the receptionist sitting at the front desk. "Morning, Lucy," she said with a smile.

"Good morning, Ruth," Lucy called back cheerfully, already bustling through her morning tasks.

Ruth walked down the hall to her office, her heels clicking against the polished stone floor. She greeted her secretary, Melanie, as she placed the coffee and the bakery bag on her desk. "I grabbed you a little something.” She motioned to the muffin bag.

Melanie smiled appreciatively. "You spoil me, Ruth. Thanks! Do you want to grab some dinner tonight?"

“Hmm, if my schedule holds, then sure.” Ruth nodded and turned to grab the stack of notes Melanie held in her hand. As she unlocked the door to her office and stepped inside, she heard someone behind her. It was one of the junior partners and her direct supervisor, Matt Brandt. Ruth cringed hearing Melanie try to stop him, but he had already followed her in.

"Good morning, Ruthie." Matt leaned casually against the doorway, his grin a little too familiar as he used her nickname to greet her. “How was your ride in?” His voice sounded like a squealing piglet. The first time she heard him speak, she wondered how any jury could stand it.

Ruth quickly masked her discomfort with a polite smile. "Morning, Matt. The drive was fine, no traffic to speak of."

He stepped into her office without invitation, his gaze flickering from the muffin bag on her desk to her face. "You're always so thoughtful, aren't you? Bringing treats for the team. Maybe you can add me to your list next time."

"Sure," Ruth replied, her tone neutral as she set her files on the desk. She kept her movements deliberate, refusing to let him rattle her. He wouldn’t need butter on his muffin; he could use the grease he combed his hair with.

Matt didn’t budge. Instead, he stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You know, Ruthie, you work too hard. A woman like you deserves a little break now and then. We could grab lunch this week—my treat. Or dinner? I know a great place."

Ruth tensed, her fingers gripping the edge of her desk. "Thanks for the offer, Matt, but my schedule’s pretty packed. Maybe another time."

He tilted his head, his grin never faltering. "C’mon, you’ve got to eat, right? Don’t tell me you're one of those women who skips meals for work."

Her stomach churned, but she kept her expression calm. "I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got it under control."

Matt stepped even closer, invading her personal space. "Look, Ruthie, I’m just saying, a little downtime with someone who understands the pressures here could do you some good. You know where to find me when you change your mind."

Before Ruth could respond, Melanie appeared in the doorway, her expression strained. "Ruth, you’ve got a teleconference in five minutes. Thought I’d remind you."

Ruth turned to Melanie, grateful for the interruption. "Thanks, Melanie. I’ll get set up now."

Matt straightened, his grin fading into something less friendly. "Alright, I’ll let you get to it. But don’t keep saying no, Ruthie. People might think you're not a team player." He gave her a lingering look before sauntering out of her office.

The second he was gone, Ruth let out a shaky breath and looked at Melanie with a mixture of relief and frustration. "You saved me. Lunch is on me today," she said with a forced laugh, trying to shake off the tension.

Melanie gave her a sympathetic look. "You’ve got to report him, Ruth. It’s only going to get worse."

"I know," Ruth replied quietly. "I just need to figure out how." The sad thing was, if he kept his mouth closed, he was a competent attorney. Too competent. Was someone else helping him?

Melanie pursed her lips. "I’ll put the lunch order in. What are you in the mood for?"

"Where are we ordering from?"

"Reynolds’ Deli," Melanie replied. "Their menu's on your desk."

Ruth glanced at the menu and smiled. "Perfect. I’ll take their Cobb salad with a raspberry seltzer."

"You got it," Melanie said before leaving to place the order.