My future sister-in-law shrugs.“So?Not everybody is going to like you, Caleb.”
“That’s not what I mean,” I groan, sliding down the couch.“She’s rude, Natalie.And she’s got this stick up her ass that’s just lodged in.”
Natalie arches her brows.“She’s an excellent employee.Maybe that works for her.”
“Well, she makes life hell for everybody,” I grouse as she finishes the milk and sets the glass down on the table.
“Really?”That surprises Natalie.“I heard she’s quite well-liked.”
I open my mouth to refute her words, but nothing comes out.Sullen, I take the small cushion under my chin, glaring at the coffee table.“They just don’t know her as well as I do.”
“What’s really going on with you and Eve?”Natalie tucks her legs under her, watching me intently.“And don’t give me that competition nonsense.I’ve seen competitive colleagues before.This feels personal.”
I run a hand through my hair, debating how much to admit.“Fine.She’s...She’s hot, okay?And smart.Annoyingly smart.But she’s also the most arrogant person I’ve ever met.I told you, she thinks she’s better than everyone else.”
“That’s interesting.”Natalie’s tone is thoughtful.“Because from what I’ve observed, she’s quite humble actually.She deflects praise, credits her team for successes, and I’ve never heard her boast about her achievements.”
“Are we talking about the same person?”I stare at her.“Eve Lopez?Dark hair, red lipstick, attitude that could cut glass?”
“The same one who works overtime to help her colleagues meet deadlines?Who turned down a promotion last year because she thought Steven deserved it more?”
I blink.“She did what?”
“You heard me.She’s one of the most team-oriented employees we have.Maybe you’re seeing what you want to see instead of what’s actually there.”
“That’s impossible.In college, she was?—”
“College was six years ago, Caleb,” Natalie interrupts.“People change.Maybe you should consider that the problem isn’t her attitude, but your perception of it.Don’t get me wrong.She’s ambitious, but she’s not unfair.”
I want to argue, but the sound of keys jingling in the lock cuts through our conversation.Natalie looks towards the door, and the smile that blooms over her face is filled with warmth and love.
The door opens, and Ethan walks in, looking every inch the intimidating CEO in his charcoal suit and perfectly styled hair.But the moment he sees his fiancée, his entire demeanor shifts.His shoulders ease up, and his face softens.
“The meeting ran later than I expected.Have you eaten?”His fingers brush against Natalie’s cheek, and she shakes her head.“I was waiting for you.”He smiles down at her.
I just gape at him.
“Don’t look so shocked,” my brother says dryly, catching my expression.“I’m capable of basic human emotion.”
“Could have fooled me,” I shoot back.“You smile so rarely that I didn’t think you knew how.”
“I told you to drop Natalie home, not stay for dinner.”Ethan settles besides his fiancée.After everything she’s been through, my brother doesn’t trust her taking a taxi.He’s become quite overprotective.But I don’t mind.Natalie pays in food.“How was your day?”he asks Natalie, his voice gentling completely.
“Productive.Your brother and I were just discussing his new partner,” Natalie says meaningfully.
Ethan’s attention sharpens, his CEO mask sliding back into place even as he plays with a strand of Natalie’s hair.“Speaking of which, how’s the investigation going?Any leads on our mole?”
“It’s not even been two weeks yet, Ethan,” I glower at him.“I’ve been assigned to the Serastra 70 project and partnered with Eve Lopez.”
Ethan looks thoughtfully.“Interesting.She’s been there the longest on that team.What’s your read on her?”I’m not surprised he knows about her.Ethan has a habit of knowing the names of every employee under him.
“She’s...”I struggle for the right words, aware of Natalie’s pointed stare.“Difficult.But I don’t think she’s the leak.She’s too invested in the company’s success.”
“Don’t let personal feelings cloud your judgment,” Ethan warns, his voice taking on that familiar edge.“The best spies are the ones who appear most loyal.They build trust, integrate themselves into the team, then strike when everyone least expects it.”
“It’s not personal,” I lie, ignoring Natalie’s chuckle.“I just think we’re looking at the wrong person.”
“Keep digging.And Caleb?”Ethan fixes me with the stare that’s made grown men wet themselves.“Don’t blow your cover.We can’t afford any mistakes.The Serastra launch is critical.If we lose another campaign, the company will face a major financial hit.”
