Rowan doesn’t look up.
“She must be from the event planning firm,” Elliot continues. “Karen said she was sending someone senior.”
I didn’t realize my jaw had tightened until I forced it to relax.
“She’s leading?” I ask.
Rowan answers without lifting his head. “Yes.”
Theo’s eyebrows shoot up. “You know her?”
Rowan finally looks at me. “I know everyone who sets foot in this building.”
Elliot is already on his feet, smoothing his jacket. “I’ve got a meeting with a PR firm in five,” he says casually. “But I’ve got time to say hello toher.”
Theo stands as well. “I’ll walk with you. Moral support.”
“For flirting?” Elliot asks.
“For entertainment,” Theo replies.
I don’t stop them, I watch instead. Elliot approaches her with the ease of a man who has never questioned his welcome. She turns as he speaks, surprise flickering briefly across her face before professionalism settles in.
She smiles. Not the same smile she gave Graham last night.
This one is measured.
Theo says something, I can’t hear it, and she laughs, polite but contained. Elliot offers his hand. She shakes it. No hesitation. No nerves.
Caleb clears his throat. “I have to get to my next meeting.”
He gathers his things and nods once at Rowan before leaving.
Theo follows Elliot down the corridor, still talking.
The door to my office closes behind them.
It’s just Rowan and me now.
I don’t pretend anymore.
“Who is she?” I ask.
Rowan sets his tablet down and answers without question. “Lucy Bennett.”
I wait.
“Senior event coordinator,” he continues. “She has a clean record. She comes highly recommended, with a very strong reputation.”
“And?”I know he dug deeper.
Rowan is silent for a few moments, almost like he is weighing how much to tell me.
“She’s supporting her family,” Rowan says. “Seems like her mother is ill. Her sister’s in med school. She is the sole financial provider.”
I watch her talk to a member of HR. How she holds herself, how she listens intently, taking in her surroundings.
“Dig deeper,” I say.
