Page 16 of Falling for Mr. Ruthless

Keeping the same secrets.

I press my palm against the cool glass. Four years of careful distance collapsed in the space of two weeks.

Four years of controlled co-parenting and avoided gazes and separate parent-teacher conferences—all undermined by proximity, shared purpose, and the undeniable gravity that still pulls us toward each other, even when we know better.

My phone buzzes on the counter behind me. I turn, expecting Marina with more questions. Or Latanya, checking in about dinner tomorrow.

Instead, I see his name on the screen. One new message.

The Singapore files are ready. My office. Tomorrow. 6 p.m.

No mention of today’s events. No acknowledgment of his intervention. No personal touch at all.

Just business. Just the audit. Just the indifference masked as professional courtesy.

I don’t respond immediately. Let him wait. Let him wonder if I’ll show up or send someone else in my place.

Finally, I type back:I’ll be there.

Three words that commit me to nothing beyond professional obligation.

Three words that nonetheless feel like stepping off a cliff.

FOUR

STRATEGIC THREATS

JAKOB

I don't run to fights. I bring them to me.

Phillip Gardner's call comes as I'm reviewing the Moscow acquisition. Tyson sits across from me, feet propped on my desk despite my repeated glares.

"Jakob." Phillip's voice is strained. Formal. "We need to discuss the audit."

Tyson raises an eyebrow. I put the call on speaker.

"What about it?" I keep my tone neutral, even as I recognize the undercurrent in Phillip's voice. Something's wrong.

"There's been a development. The partners are considering reassigning leadership."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning they want to replace Chanel Warren."

The room goes still. Tyson's feet drop from my desk.

"On what grounds?" I ask, voice cooling several degrees.

"Security concerns. Access irregularities. And…" He hesitates. "Her personal connection to you."

Someone found out. Someone connected the dots. Someone is targeting Chanel.

"Who raised these concerns?"

"Does it matter?" Phillip sounds tired. "The partners meet tomorrow morning. They've asked me to prepare transition options."

"Cancel it."