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Raj beams, stretching out a hand. “Great to meet you, sir. I’ve been curious about her incredible father.”

Sean pauses, eyeing Raj like a suspicious father would. I almost laugh.

Raj takes no notice, continuing with enthusiasm. “I’m Raj Kapoor, chief innovation officer here at Lemon LLC.”

“Sean will help us assess the situation and see what can I do about security.”

“Thank goodness. Maybe you can figure out how Camille Ross keeps leaking internal stuff.”

“She doesn’t,” I say.

Raj gives me a look. “Then how does she know we’re working on getting funding for our next phase project? It isn’t even public info yet.”

I stiffen. Sean watches me.

“Anyone could’ve guessed we’re working on something. We’re always working on something,” I say. “Don’t worry, Raj. We’re handling it. Internally.”

“I bet.” He smiles at Sean once again. “Well, I’d better get back to the lab. See you around, Mr. Langston.”

Raj turns and disappears into the lab.

“Very peculiar man.”

I chuckle. “He’s the smartest man I know. He’s just quite… dramatic.”

Sean says nothing. We continue the tour.

“The security team can use this conference room.” I gesture toward the glass-walled space, forcing my voice to sound normal. “It's private but central.”

“I'd prefer to do the initial assessment on my own.” His voice is a low rumble. “Fewer people involved at this stage.”

“Fine by me.” I brush past him, ignoring the flutter in my stomach. “Let me show you around.”

Despite the chaos of the past week, pride swells in my chest as we walk through Lemon LLC headquarters. The space is what I envisioned when I was sketching ideas on napkins three yearsago. Modern white walls with pops of vibrant yellow and green, sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, shelves displaying our signature products in their minimalist packaging.

“We converted this old warehouse space three years ago. We kept the bones. Gutted the insides.” I run my fingertips along a concrete pillar. “I wanted something that felt authentic but luxurious.”

His gaze meets mine. “You've built something impressive. Not many people transition from acting to business to become such a global success as you’ve done with Lemon.”

“Hollywood wasn't the dream I thought it would be.” I shrug, leading him toward the product development wing. “This is.”

“You’ve had quite a journey.”

“So have you. I think we can both agree life’s been interesting.” I pause outside the private wing doors. “Not always easy, but never boring.”

“What’s in there?”

“This is where the real work happens,” I say. “Product trials, influencer strategy, ad campaigns.”

Sean's expression shifts. “Raj mentioned the accuser is aware of some inside information. Why aren’t you considering that?”

The subtle reminder of why he's here sends a chill through me. We walk to my office.

“It’s because she hasn’t mentioned anything out of the ordinary about our plans. It’s easy to guess that a skincare company is working on new products. Again, we’re always working on new products. It’s just annoying that she’s on this relentless victim hunt and the public’s eating it up. It’s starting to affect my employees and I might do something drastic if I receive another set of rotten lemons.”

Sean's expression hardens. “Any idea who might have it out for you?”

“Half the internet?” I attempt a laugh but it comes out hollow. “It’s the typical thing the general public do. Build up a woman to watch her fall. That’s peak entertainment to them.”