Page 94 of Beautiful Revenge

“Absolutely. One moment.”

“HR,” Devon mutters. “That’s never good.”

I bite back a smirk when the line picks up again. “Ms. Madison, this is a surprise. How are you?”

“I’m good, thank you. I do need some help on a delicate issue.”

“Of course. What can I do?”

“Allen Foster will be taking leave for the time being. This wasn’t his decision, but my father and I feel it’s best for the short term. If you could help make some arrangements, I’d appreciate it.”

“Mr. Foster is taking leave?” There’s a long pause. “Of course. What can I do?”

“Please freeze Allen’s access to the global network. That includes access to all company email—his and my father’s. Access to all Stonebridge buildings will need to be cut off as well.”

“I ... ah ...” he stammers. “Did something happen that I’m not aware of?”

I ignore that and continue to give orders. “His compensation and benefits will continue. If you could please give Christine Hamilton and myself access to my father’s and Allen Foster’s email accounts, we will monitor their communication for the time being so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Do you have any questions?”

From the stagnant sound of fear on the other end, I assume he has two million questions.

I don’t give him a chance to ask any of them. “I appreciate your help and your confidentiality. If you could make this a priority, even better.”

“A priority...” He stammers but finally gets with the program. “Of course. I’ll get this done right away.”

Devon’s blue eyes warm when they take in my relieved expression.

“Please email me once it’s done,” I add.

The HR director does not sound relieved. “Absolutely.”

I thank him, say goodbye, and flip over to my texts.

Me – In the next hour, we should both have full access to my father’s email, as well as Allen’s. For now, you and I are in charge.

Chrissie – (Wide-eyed emoji)

Chrissie – (Head-exploding emoji)

Chrissie – Fuck me, what have you done?! Can’t I just kidnap someone else for you? It’s way easier!

Me – Roll with it. I’ll be there soon.

Chrissie – (Hand-in-face emoji)

“There.” I toss my phone farther on the sofa from Devon’s laptop. I have a feeling the thing will blow up once Allen realizes what I’ve done. “I’ve never liked Allen Foster, but trusting was never an issue. That was on Dad. But the fact that he mentioned Janie is odd. Poor Chrissie is freaking out. I need to get there so she doesn’t take the brunt of my decision.”

Devon’s gaze never wavers from mine. “I don’t know whether you’re a damsel in distress or a badass.”

“I’m neither.” I lean down and press my lips to his until he takes over.

His tongue laps mine before he releases my mouth. “I disagree. You’re everything.”

I shake my head. “I’m just me doing everything I can to be better—stronger.”

His thumb brushes my cheek. “You’re perfect the way you are, Harlow. Don’t ever change.”

He takes my mouth again, but this time in a searing kiss that might as well brand me.