ir stared at the bank of monitors in Roman’s home office, each disying different financial records from Kingston Industries. They had worked from home today so she could review transaction logs and cross–referencing dates as Sutton sent her the information as they searched for any patterns that might reveal who was stealing from thepany.


    “Find anything?” Roman asked, setting a fresh cup of coffee beside her.


    “Maybe. Sutton sent this over.” ir pointed to one of the screens. “There’s a pattern here. Small transfers, all under ten thousand to avoid triggering automatic alerts, all moving through the same series of ounts before ending up offshore.”


    Roman leaned closer, studying the data. “Clever. But not clever enough.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Sutton’sing over this afternoon to help us dig deeper.”


    ir nodded, grateful for her sister’s programming expertise. Ever since their dinner two days ago, Sutton had been eager to help with the investigation. ir suspected it gave her something to focus on besides herplicated situation with Luca.


    “What time is the board meeting tomorrow?” ir asked, stretching her stiff muscles.


    “Ten.” Roman’s expression hardened. “Once we have concrete evidence, we’ll present it to the board and legal team simultaneously.”


    ir was about to respond when her phone rang. She nced at the screen and frowned. “Unknown number.”


    “Put it on speaker,” Roman suggested.


    ir answered, keeping her voice professional. “ir Warner speaking.”


    “ir.” The voice on the other end was instantly recognizable, dripping with fake sweetness. “It’s Jessica. Jessica Kingston.”


    ir’s eyes snapped to Roman’s, watching his jaw tighten. “What can I do for you, Jessica?”


    “I was hoping we could meet for lunch today. Just <b>us </b>girls. To clear the air.”


    “Clear what air, exactly?” ir asked carefully.


    Jessicaughed lightly. “Oh, you know. All this unpleasantness. I think we got off on the wrong foot, and since you’re sleeping with my ex–husband, we should try <i>to </i><i>be</i>… friendly.”


    Roman was already shaking his head, mouthing, “Don’t.”


    “That’s an interesting offer,” ir replied slowly. “But I’m afraid I’m busy today.”


    “Tomorrow then? Or perhaps dinner tonight? I really think we should talk, ir. Woman to woman.”


    The sugary tone couldn’t mask the underlying threat. ir knew Jessica was up to something, but she also knew sometimes the best way to handle a threat was to face it head–on.


    “Actually, I’ve changed my mind. Lunch today works. How about Carl’s at one?” It was a popr restaurant in the financial district, always crowded with business people. Public enough that Jessica couldn’t cause too much of a scene.


    Roman was giving her an incredulous look, but ir held up a hand.


    “Perfect,” Jessica purred. “See you then, ir.”


    The call ended, and Roman immediately spoke. “What the hell was that? You’re not actually meeting her.”


    “Yes, I am.” ir stood up, determination straightening her spine. “Jessica wants a confrontation? Fine. Let’s get it over with.”


    92%1


    “ir, she’s trying to provoke you.”


    “I know that,” ir said calmly. “But I’m tired of her being a problem, Roman. She’s going to keep trying until she gets what she wants. So let’s give it to her… on our terms. If we don’t deal with her now, she will always be a dark cloud over our heads.”


    Roman ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “And what exactly are your terms?”


    “I’ll meet her in public, where she can’t make too much of a scene. I’ll hear whatever she has to say, and then I’ll make it absolutely clear that she needs to move on with her life.”


    “And if she doesn’t listen? If she causes a scene, anyway?”


    ir smiled, a n already forming. “Then we’ll be prepared.”


    Roman studied her for a long moment before his expression shifted <i>to </i>one of reluctant admiration. “What are you thinking?”


    “I’m thinking it’s time we put Jessica in her ce once and for all.” ir reached for her phone. “And I know exactly how to do it.”


    Two hourster, ir walked into Carl’s, scanning the crowded restaurant until she spotted Jessica sitting at a prime table near the center of the room. Of course, she’d choose the most visible spot–this was meant to be a performance.


    Jessica had dressed for the asion in a tight red dress that screamed for attention. Her hair was perfectly styled, her makeup wless. She looked exactly like what she was: a predator waiting to pounce.


    ir smoothed down her own outfit, just a sleek navy pantsuit that made her feel powerful, as she approached the table with her head held up high.


    “Jessica,” she greeted, sliding into the chair across from her. “Thank you for the invitation.”


    Jessica’s smile was all teeth. “ir. So d you could make it.” Her eyes flicked to ir’s engagement ring. “My, that’s certainly… substantial. I see congrattions are in order. Roman always did have expensive taste.”


    “In some things,” ir agreed pleasantly. “In others, he’s learned to be more discerning.”


    Jessica’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Let’s order, shall we?”


    They ced their orders, exchanging meaningless pleasantries until the waiter departed. The moment he was out of earshot, Jessica’s facade dropped.


    “So,” she began, leaning forward. “You and Roman. Quite the whirlwind romance, isn’t it? From secretary to fiancée.”


    “I guess when it’s right, it’s right,” ir replied, keeping her tone light, wanting Jessica to show her hand.


    “Hmm.” Jessica sipped her water. “And is it right, ir? Or is it convenient?”


    “I’m not sure what you mean.”


    “Oh, I think you do.” Jessica’s voice dropped. “It’s a tale as old as time. How will the media see it? Because it’s not the first time for Roman, is it? I would hate to think what this type of scandal will do to Kington’s stock prices. How would it read? Young, ambitious secretary catches the eye of her wealthy boss or Boss can’t keep his hands off his staff.”


    16:22 Wed, 18 Jun