Page 13 of Undercover Hearts

Michelle recognized her from the files—the PWC's primary recruiter, charged with identifying potential new members and assessing their fit. Her seemingly casual arrival was almost certainly deliberate.

"Nicole helps our members find their place within PWC," Alina explained.

"Lovely to meet you," Nicole said, her gaze lingering on Jenna with unmistakable interest. "You both have fascinating backgrounds. Meridian Heights is known for its competitive corporate culture. I'd love to hear more about your experiences there."

The deliberate mention of their supposed former city was another test. Michelle launched into prepared details about Meridian Heights' business district and their favorite lunch spot near the GreenTech offices, while Jenna seamlessly added anecdotes about the city's arts district.

Nicole's warm smile and attentive posture were focused primarily on Jenna, her body language shifting subtly closer. "You'll have to tell me more about your transition from assistant to consultant. That's quite a leap."

Michelle felt an unexpected surge of possessiveness at Nicole's obvious interest in Jenna. Without conscious thought, she slipped her arm around Jenna's waist, drawing her slightly closer.

"Michelle was an excellent mentor," Jenna replied smoothly, leaning into Michelle's embrace. "She saw potential in me that others missed."

Michelle was startled by how authentic the moment felt—the warmth of Jenna's body against hers, the easy way they fit together physically, the genuine appreciation in Jenna's voice. For a disorienting moment, the line between their cover and reality blurred.

The tour continued through meeting spaces and workshop rooms, each meticulously designed with circular seating arrangements and inspiring artwork. Michelle noted the restricted access door on the second floor requiring keycard entry—likely leading to administrative offices where evidence of their smuggling operation might be found.

As they moved through the building, Michelle became acutely aware of the increasing number of women watching Jenna with interest. It wasn't just Nicole; several members seemed drawn to her natural warmth and engaging smile. Each time, Michelle found herself responding with subtle possessive gestures—a hand on Jenna's lower back, standing slightly closer, angling her body to create a unified front.

The behavior wasn't entirely calculated. Something primitive and territorial had awakened in her, a response she hadn't anticipated and couldn't fully control. Michelle told herself it was simply maintaining their cover, but the heat that flaredwhen Jenna responded to her touches suggested something more complex.

"The workshop will begin in ten minutes," Alina announced as they completed the tour. "Would you like coffee before we start? Our café serves an excellent fair-trade blend."

"That sounds perfect," Michelle replied, guiding Jenna toward the café with a hand on her lower back.

Once they had coffee and a moment of relative privacy at a small table, Jenna leaned close, her breath warm against Michelle's ear. "Keycard access on second and third floors. There’s a camera blind spot near the rear stairwell, and I saw shipping manifests on Alina's clipboard."

Michelle nodded slightly, impressed by Jenna's observations while appearing to simply whisper something affectionate. "Sienna's watching us," she murmured in response, lips close to Jenna's ear. "Over your left shoulder."

"Then we'd better look like we're having an intimate moment," Jenna replied, her hand covering Michelle's on the table, fingers intertwining. The simple gesture made Michelle's pulse jump, a reaction she carefully concealed.

When the workshop began, they were led to a room where chairs were arranged in a circle. About fifteen women of varying ages and backgrounds were already seated. Michelle noted that the seating arrangement gave Sienna and Kendall clear sightlines to observe all participants.

"Welcome to our Leadership for Women in Business workshop," Sienna announced once everyone was settled. "We're particularly pleased to welcome new members today. Michelle Rodriguez and Jenna Wolfe have joined us from Meridian Heights, where they recently launched a consultancy focused on supporting women entrepreneurs."

The attention of the room shifted to them. Michelle maintained her relaxed, confident posture despite the scrutiny.

"At PWC, we believe in combining practical business skills with an understanding of the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries," Sienna continued. "Today's session focuses on accessing capital networks traditionally closed to women. Next week, we'll address strategic partnerships."

Michelle exchanged a glance with Jenna. The invitation to next week's workshop was their first victory—their initial acceptance into the group. From Sienna's approving nod, they'd passed the first round of assessment.

Now they just needed to navigate the workshop without revealing their true identities, while gathering every scrap of intelligence possible. Michelle settled in, hyperaware of Jenna beside her and the ever watchful eyes of Sienna Castillo and Kendall Buchanan.

The circle of women in the Economic Independence workshop created an illusion of equality, but Michelle quickly identified the power dynamics at play. Sienna occupied what appeared to be a random seat but was actually positioned to observe every participant. Kendall remained standing, ostensibly taking notes near the door but effectively controlling the room's exit. Alina facilitated the discussion with practiced expertise, directing questions strategically to assess new members.

"Economic independence isn't just about having your own money," Alina said. "It's about creating systems that allow women to thrive despite institutional barriers. Before we dive into specifics, I'd love to hear from our new members about challenges you've faced in your transitions from corporate to entrepreneurial roles."

All eyes turned expectantly to Michelle and Jenna. Michelle prepared to answer first—the natural dynamic given their cover story of her as the senior partner—but Jenna spoke before she could.

"The isolation was unexpected," Jenna said, her voice quiet but clear. "In corporate environments, even with glass ceilings and fierce competition, there's a structure and network. When we stepped away, many of those connections evaporated overnight. Women we thought were allies suddenly saw us as threats."

Heads nodded around the circle. Michelle watched several women lean forward, engaged by Jenna's vulnerability.

"What surprised me," Michelle added smoothly, "was how access to capital changed. As a marketing executive at GreenTech, I controlled a seven-figure budget. But as a woman seeking startup capital for our consultancy, doors that had been open suddenly closed. One investor actually suggested I find a male partner to 'add credibility.'"

Wry laughter rippled through the group, and Michelle noted how Sienna studied them both, her expression thoughtful.

"That's precisely why spaces like PWC are so vital," Alina said. "We're building alternative networks that don't require male gatekeepers."