Page 12 of Undercover Hearts

"Welcome to the Phoenix Women's Collective," Kendall said, her smile not quite reaching her watchful eyes. "You must be Michelle Rodriguez and Jenna Wolfe."

"We are," Michelle confirmed, extending her hand with confident warmth. "Thank you for having us."

Kendall's handshake was firm, her gaze assessing as it moved between them. "Sienna's excited to meet you both. She's particularly interested in your corporate background."

Michelle felt the subtle tension in Jenna's posture—the first test coming sooner than expected. They followed Kendall into a spacious foyer with high ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors. The walls were adorned with powerful photographs of women's marches and framed awards. A reception desk staffed by a young woman with a nose ring and vivid blue hair completed the progressive aesthetic.

"Our new guests for the leadership workshop," Kendall announced.

The receptionist smiled brightly, handing them visitor badges. "I'm Paula. If you need anything during your visit, just ask me."

Michelle cataloged her face—youngest member of the core staff according to their intelligence, likely unaware of the criminal activities. She returned Paula's smile with equal warmth.

"Sienna will be down shortly," Kendall said, her tone casual but her posture still vigilant. "She's finishing a call with ourpartners in South America about our educational materials exchange program."

The mention of South America sent a jolt through Michelle—their first confirmation of international connections. She kept her expression neutral, squeezing Jenna's hand slightly to signal the importance of the information.

"Educational materials?" Jenna asked with genuine-sounding interest.

"We distribute feminist literature and educational resources to women's groups throughout the Americas," Kendall explained. "It’s part of our mission to create a broader impact."

And the perfect cover for smuggling operations, Michelle thought.

Heavy footsteps on the staircase drew their attention. A woman descended with deliberate grace, her presence commanding the room instantly. Sienna Castillo was tall and striking, with flawless mahogany skin and sharp, intelligent eyes that missed nothing. Her charcoal suit was impeccably tailored, a single statement necklace her only adornment.

"Michelle and Jenna," she said, voice warm with practiced charisma as she approached. "I'm Sienna Castillo. Welcome to PWC."

Michelle recognized the calculated performance of power immediately; she'd seen it countless times in interrogation rooms and courtrooms. Sienna was establishing dominance through physical presence and controlled warmth.

"Thank you for accepting our membership application," Michelle said, matching Sienna's tone with the confidence of someone accustomed to executive interactions. "We've heard wonderful things about your organization."

"From Councilwoman Reed, I understand," Sienna replied, referring to their fabricated connection, a city councilwomanwhose name they'd carefully selected as someone known to support PWC but not directly involved.

"Yes," Michelle confirmed smoothly. "She mentioned your leadership workshop specifically. As women launching our own consultancy after years in corporate, it seemed like the perfect fit."

Sienna's smile warmed fractionally. "Indeed. We've found that women transitioning from corporate structures often bring valuable perspectives to our community." She gestured toward an adjoining room. "Would you like a tour before the workshop begins? We have a few minutes."

"We'd love that," Jenna said, stepping slightly closer to Michelle.

Their tour guide turned out to be Alina Evans, the program director. Where Sienna projected polished power, Alina radiated earnest intensity. Her questions began immediately as she led them through the ground floor.

"What made you leave the corporate world?" she asked, her gaze focused particularly on Michelle.

"Glass ceilings get tiresome after a while," Michelle replied with a wry smile. "I was passed over for the CMO position at GreenTech Industries despite outperforming my male colleagues for three consecutive quarters. The position went to the founder's nephew instead."

Alina nodded with knowing sympathy. "And what exactly does your consultancy focus on?"

"We help women-owned businesses secure funding and scale effectively," Jenna answered. "Too many brilliant women entrepreneurs struggle to get the capital they deserve."

"And how did your professional relationship evolve into something more?" Alina asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.

Michelle felt a flicker of tension. This was the heart of their cover story, the detail that would either cement their credibility or raise flags.

"It wasn't planned," Michelle said with a soft laugh, allowing affection to color her voice as she glanced at Jenna. "Jenna was my executive assistant at GreenTech. When I left to start the consultancy, she joined me a month later—initially to help with the transition."

"Those late nights working on business plans have a way of revealing what's been there all along," Jenna added, her hand finding Michelle's waist with casual intimacy. The touch sent a surge of awareness through Michelle's body.

"Quite the corporate love story." A woman with copper-red hair and striking green eyes approached from the direction of what appeared to be a small café area. "I'm Nicole Padilla, member services coordinator."