Page 37 of Undercover Hearts

"I'll join you," Kendall responded. "I want to discuss the security protocols for Saturday's shipment."

In three silent strides, Jenna reached the heavy curtains flanking the windows and slipped behind them just as the door opened.

"The warehouse team confirmed midnight arrival," Sienna said, heels clicking toward the desk. "Customs has been properly incentivized to expedite clearance."

"And our new friends?" Kendall asked. "You're certain about including them in the retreat?"

"Michelle and Jenna?" A drawer opened—the same drawer Jenna had just hastily closed. "They offer valuable skills. Michelle's corporate connections provide excellent cover for our international transactions."

"I don't trust them," Kendall stated flatly. "Especially Jenna. She asks too many questions. Shows too much interest in operational details."

"Your suspicion is why you're head of security," Sienna replied, amused. "But we've verified their backgrounds thoroughly. Besides, keeping them close allows us to monitor them."

"Speaking of monitoring," Kendall said, her voice suddenly closer to the curtains, "something seems off tonight."

Footsteps approached Jenna's hiding place. She held her breath, pressing against the window. Through the fabric, Kendall's silhouette stopped directly in front of her.

"These were closed earlier?" Kendall asked.

"Likely housekeeping," Sienna replied dismissively. "The sunset glare affects the artwork."

Silence stretched for three agonizing heartbeats before Kendall moved away. "I still think we should delay their invitation until after this shipment."

"Your concerns are noted," Sienna said with finality. "Now, shall we return to our guests?"

The door closed. Jenna remained motionless for thirty additional seconds before cautiously peering out. The office was empty.

She exhaled, quickly replacing the folder exactly as she'd found it, confirmed the photographs had been captured, and slipped out, visiting the bathroom before returning to the party.

She found Michelle near the bar, deep in conversation with Alina. Approaching casually, Jenna slid an arm around Michelle's waist.

"Sorry I was gone so long," she said cheerfully. "I got caught up admiring Sienna's art collection in the hallway."

The slight pressure of her fingers against Michelle's hip communicated their code for successful intelligence gathering. Michelle's arm tightened briefly around her in acknowledgment.

"You have excellent timing," Alina said. "Sienna's about to make an announcement."

Sienna moved to the center of the room, tapping a glass for attention. The gathering quieted.

"Ladies, your presence tonight honors our mission of empowering women globally. I'm delighted to announce that our spring leadership retreat will take place next weekend at my beach house. This intimate gathering allows our mostcommitted members to experience PWC's full operational scope."

Her gaze found Michelle and Jenna. "Including our newest members, who bring fresh perspective to our work. Michelle, Jenna, we look forward to welcoming you fully into the PWC family."

As applause rippled through the gathering, Jenna maintained her smile while adrenaline still surged beneath her composed exterior. The evidence in her pendant confirmed the operation was larger and more dangerous than they'd initially believed, and now they'd been officially invited to witness it firsthand—a crucial opportunity wrapped in escalating risk.

Michelle's fingers interlaced with hers, appearing affectionate to observers but communicating silent support between partners facing mounting danger.

The drive back to their safe house passed in charged silence. Jenna sat in the passenger seat, adrenaline from her near-discovery still humming through her veins, while Michelle drove with white-knuckled focus on the rain-slicked streets. Neither spoke until they were safely inside, security protocols completed, and the door locked behind them.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Michelle's voice was low and controlled, but the anger beneath it was unmistakable as she placed her clutch on the counter.

Jenna turned, having expected this confrontation since they'd left Sienna's. "I was thinking we needed concrete evidence. Now we have it."

"You risked the entire operation." Michelle's heels clicked sharply across the hardwood as she approached. "If Kendall had found you in that office?—"

"But she didn't," Jenna interrupted, refusing to back down. "I got what we needed: confirmed shipment details, supplier names, and evidence of a multi-city operation."

"At what cost?" Michelle's voice rose slightly. "Your flirtation with Mina was reckless enough. Breaking into Sienna's office crossed a line."