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Alex nodded in agreement but then added grimly, “You realize what this means for Ruth. If he thinks you’re dating, she can be used as leverage. You’ve just dragged her into the crosshairs.”

Noah’s expression hardened. “I know. And I’ll make damn sure she’s safe. I can’t let that asshole Matt Brandt or anyone else hurt her. He picked the wrong woman.”

Alex gave him a knowing look. “So, you’re still taking her to the black-tie party?”

Noah frowned. “I won’t let Matt think she’s an easy target. I need to be there to protect her. Besides, I wouldn’t mind seeing the guy in action. Maybe we can catch him slipping up. He’s done this to others, Alex—I’m sure of it. Ruth’s just the latest.”

“You can’t make a scene,” Alex warned. “That’ll make it worse for her.”

“I can be discreet.” Noah’s eyes glinted with determination. “But I want him to know she’s not alone. And if there’s any way to get evidence against him at that party, I’m taking it.”

As the two men began to walk, Noah asked, “What do we know about Brandt? We need to do a fast deep dive.”

Alex ran a hand through his hair, thinking aloud. “Start with his professional reputation. He’s got to have skeletons in his closet. Every predator like him leaves a trail.”

Noah nodded. “We’ll hack through internal complaints at the firm. Anonymous reports, exit interviews—anything that suggests he’s done this before.”

Alex added, “Check his social media too. Guys like Brandt can’t help themselves. There might be photos, comments, or connections that paint a picture. And let’s run his financials. If he’s got a habit of paying off victims or using firm money inappropriately, it might show up there.”

“I’ll also talk to Ruth,” Noah said, his tone softer now. “She knows the office dynamics. She might have noticed things about him—other women who avoided him, or the way he operates.”

“And surveillance,” Alex said. “If we can catch him harassing Ruth—or anyone else—we’ve got leverage. We need to convince her to tape their conversations. South Dakota is a one-party consent state. She won’t be breaking any laws. It would be nice to plant someone inside the party to keep an eye on him. Find out who the employment company supplying the waitstaff is.” His brows furrowed. “Where is it anyway?”

“I better find that out, huh?” He smiled, but then his jaw tightened. “It’s a gamble, but if we can corner him, maybe we push him into making a mistake.”

As they rounded the path back toward their office building, Noah spoke quietly, almost to himself. “He picked the wrong woman.”

Alex looked at him sideways. “You’ve got it bad.”

Noah shrugged but didn’t deny it. “I’m not letting this slide, Alex. Not with her.”

Alex clapped him on the shoulder. “Then let’s make sure Brandt doesn’t get another chance.”

Nine

The grand end-of-year party for Ellison & Grant was the kind of event people talked about for months. Held at a sprawling estate two hours outside Pierre, it was as much about flaunting the firm’s success as it was about networking. Defense attorneys, prosecuting attorneys, prominent clients, and all the firm’s employees mingled under glittering chandeliers or on heated patios, pretending the undercurrents of rivalry didn’t exist. Luxury buses provided a convenient and heavily social way to travel to and from the venue, which could not host guests overnight.

Noah zipped his tuxedo into the garment bag. Tonight wasn’t just a party; it was an opportunity. His Fairchild investigation pressed against the edges of his thoughts, but as he glanced at his watch, he allowed himself a small smile. He had a date to pick up.

Noah knocked on Ruth’s door, his knuckles rapping lightly against the wood. When she opened it, he grinned in surprise. Ruth stood there in gray sweatpants, a baggy hoodie, and a pair of Uggs. Her hair was swept up into a high ponytail, her face free of makeup. She looked at him with wide, amused eyes, one hand resting on the doorframe.

“Well,” he drawled, leaning against the door, “we’re both dressed for black tie, I see.”

Ruth rolled her eyes but laughed. “Give me thirty minutes when we get to the venue. I promise I clean up nice. Let me grab my stuff.” Her laugh echoed down the hall as she disappeared into her bedroom.

As he waited, Noah glanced around the space, when, unlike the other day, he noted the small, thoughtful details that made it feel like her. A stack of legal briefs sat on the coffee table next to a mug that read,Coffee Before Contracts. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, calming and clean. He found himself smiling without realizing it.

The drive to Ellison & Grant’s parking lot was quiet but comfortable. Noah’s mind flicked between the task at hand and the woman sitting beside him. When they arrived, the glow of the large charter buses was already visible in the distance, their interior lights spilling out onto the pavement.

As Noah parked, his sharp gaze immediately caught sight of a yellow Hummer parked near the bus. His stomach tightened.Matt Brandt.The garish vehicle was as subtle as its owner, and its presence confirmed Brandt had already boarded one of the buses.

Noah placed their garment bags into the cargo hold beneath the bus before turning to Ruth. She hesitated at the steps, glancing nervously at the crowd already seated inside. Without a word, Noah offered her his hand, steady and reassuring. She took it, and his grip tightened slightly, a promise that he was there.

They found two seats halfway down the bus, slipping into the row as conversations buzzed around them. Noah’s sharp gaze scanned the passengers, and it didn’t take long to spot him. Six rows back, sitting on the aisle seat, was Matt Brandt. The man’s overly confident posture and slicked-back hair screamed arrogance. His predatory eyes flicked over the other passengers as if sizing them up.

“Got him,” Noah muttered under his breath.

Ruth shifted uneasily in her seat. “What?”