Page 45 of Single Mom's Secret Diary

Everyone but Kennedy waves it away with ease. For some reason, she glowers. “You all believe her just because she says so? Why? Because she’s pretty?”

“Slide that business card down here. I’ll call Miss DuBois on speaker phone so we can clear up any doubts.” I wave for the card, which sits less than a foot from her hand.

Glaring, Kennedy pushes it down, exchanging it between four hands before it reaches me.

The phone rings twice before a chipper voice answers, “This is Bobbi DuBois.”

“Miss DuBois. This is Ezra Nguyen. You spoke with one of my people over the weekend.”

“I did. How can I help you, Mr. Nguyen?” Her tone doesn’t change, still bright and in control.

“I’d like to know how that interaction went, if you don’t mind.” I try to keep my voice level and bland, but my heart is racing.Don’t incriminate her.

“Sure. I spoke with Avery Caruso about her job with you, we had a nice lunch where she showed me her truly impressive skills—bravo, by the way, on snagging her level of talent. She didn’t even try to show off. Then, I offered her a job from Lindt that they shot over to me last week. She turned it down.”

I shoot a look at Kennedy, who’s frowning. She’s the one who brought in the anonymous tip. Does she know who it is?

“Did she tell you anything about what we’re working on?” I ask. It’s the only other piece of information we need to put this to rest completely.

“She did not, but you should be aware that your idea isn’t a secret even if your formula is. Need anything else?”

“No. Thank you, Miss DuBois.”

“Good luck!”

I swipe the call away and look at the board members. “Let’s take a vote. Now. All in favor of keeping Avery on the team.”

I raise my hand, Wyatt and Ryder in unison, and the rest of the hands lift in different waves. Kennedy is our only hold-out.

“I want one concession. She’s never left in the lab alone. Just in case.”

It’s not an unreasonable request, and not a difficult one for us. We all want an excuse to spend more time around her.

“Objections?”

Soft nos and head shakes.

“Then, agreed. If there’s nothing else, I have work to do.” I stand and head for the door.

Ryder grabs my arm. “I can tell her.”

We share a beat. Avery is going to be furious. I shake my head. “No. I’ll tell her.”

It’s my responsibility as CEO, just as convening the board was. I can take her anger. I deserve to absorb more of it than they do.

Besides, I have my ways of distracting her, and after the weekend without her, I want to press my advantage.

She’s waiting for me in my office, arms crossed and surly. Her hazel eyes are wild and bright.

I close the door gently and face her.

“This is bullshit. Who accused me? I have a right to know.”

I step closer, and she doesn’t back down. I’ve always liked that about her.

“It was anonymous. The board believes you, but they have conditions.”

She looks about ready to throw something. “What conditions?”