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"Which no one's supposed to know," she pointed out helplessly.

"Then it's time that should change."

"What? No!"

"Why not?" Acheron's tone was cutting. "Or should I even bother asking when the answer's obvious?"

Pippi nearly threw her hands up in surrender. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Your file in HR said you've turned down three promotions in the past two years."

"I did—-"

"And yet you accepted the chance to work for Evans without a qualm."

Pippi's lips opened and closed.Bollocks.Only now did she realize that Acheron harbored the same suspicions Gareth Evans had expressed earlier on.

"Care to explain what makes the transfer to Evans' office different from the rest?"

Of course,Pippi thought. 1,158 reasons in fact, which was also the exact amount she was required to pay next month if she wanted Vik to stay in medical school. She usually had enough set aside for the rainy days, but Great-Aunt Agatha's stroke a few months ago had been a massive strain on everyone's finances.

It was why, upon mustering the courage to approach Mr. Collins for an advance, the older man had suggested she accept a project-based transfer instead. It would mean an immediate raise, and it would be more than enough to cover next month's expenses.

"Your silence isn't making you look good,mikrí mou."

I know, Pippi thought, and she had the childish urge to cry. While she hadn't hesitated to speak the truth to Mr. Collins or even Mr. Evans, she just couldn't make herself confide her worries to Acheron.

If she did, she knew he was cunning enough to find a way to help her, and if that happened, then what would that make her?

A gold-digger, that's what.

The urge to cry grew stronger, and speaking coherently became a challenge.

Acheron's brooding gaze didn't stray from the monitor even as Charlie came into his office after knocking on his door.

"Whatever it is can wait."

The younger man didn't miss a beat, saying, "Of course, sir."

The door closed behind Charlie, and Acheron didn't even see the younger man leaving. The only thing he had eyes for was Pippi. The infernal woman looked so damn miserable on the screen, and that he could only think of one reason for it only made his mood worsen.

"You were supposed to be shy, dammit." It had said so in her fucking file.Subject states shyness as her main concern with regard to her ability to work in a different office.

"I am."But the words sounded pathetically feeble even to her ears.

"Then tell me why," Acheron couldn't help snapping, "you're willing to work for Evans now."

Pippi slowly shook her head. "I c-can't."