The office goes quiet. I sit there with my pulse pounding, and my jaw clenched so tight my teeth hurt. I don’t even know what I just agreed to.But I do know one thing, Leoni is in Erik’s office. And Ihatethat more than anything I’ve felt in a very, very long time.
My office door swings open without a knock. Only one person does that.My father steps in like he owns the air in the room, heading straight for the liquor cabinet. He chooses the single malt I keep for clients and pours himself a generous glass.
“Don’t bother with the office girl anymore,” he says, swirling the amber liquid lazily. “Focus on Nancy. That’s where your attention should be.”
I lean back in my chair, jaw ticking. “Office girl,” I echo. “You mean Leoni.” He doesn’t correct himself. “I’ve been meaning to ask,” I say, my voice controlled. “Does the name Michael Rowe mean anything to you?”
He pauses mid-sip. Just a fraction. But enough for me to notice, catching the recognition that passes over his face. Then he smiles—slow and practised. “You’ve been digging.”
“I like to know who’s in my life.” I stare him down. “Especially when they’re tangled up in yours.”
He lowers himself into the chair opposite me, taking his time. He looks relaxed, but it’s forced.
“You have your mother’s instinct,” he says. “Always knew when you were being lied to. Always pushed for the truth.” He lifts his glass. “I respect that.” I don’t blink. He takes a drink. “If I thought there were secrets affecting Baxter Corporation—I’d be the same. Relentless. So I understand why you’re looking.”
My pulse pounds in my ears. He’s saying all the right words. But there’s no honesty in them.
He sets the glass down carefully on my desk. “But this?” he continues, his voice smooth. “Whatever history exists between myself and Michael Rowe doesnotconcern you. It does not concern the business. It is mine. To handle. To finish.” He pauses a beat. “And trying to involve you?” He shakes his head, as if regretful. “A mistake. I see that now.”
Bullshit.
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “So, I’ve passed the matter on to your brother.”
Ice floods my veins.
“Erik,” I say quietly.
“Yes.” He stands, straightening his suit cuffs. “Let him take the burden of the girl. You focus on what actually matters.”
My chair creaks as I rise. “I’m not interested in Nancy.”
“You will be. You should be.” He doesn’t turn back. “Marriage builds alliances, Warren. A binding contract. With the Chief of Police’s family tied to ours, Baxter Corporation becomes untouchable. Our influence—limitless.”
I stare at him, disgust curling in my chest. “You’re getting greedy.”
He laughs once, soft and dismissive, before facing me fully again. “What we have ispower,” he says. “We don’t stop when we have enough. We stop when we own everything.”
“No,” I say, rising to my feet. “You’re going to destroy everything we’ve built.”
For the first time his smile fades. The air between us sharpens. But only for a second. Then his mask slides back into place. “I haven’t failed this family so far, Warren. Trust me, I know what’s best,” he says, walking to the door. “Lunch with Nancy’s family again on Friday. You’ll be there.”
He leaves without waiting for a reply. I stare after him, breathing hard, with my hands curling into fists.
Erik.With Leoni.
The door has barely clicked shut behind my father before I’m out of my chair. I take the corridor in long strides, pulse hammering like I’ve been sprinting instead of walking.
Erik’s office is halfway down the hall, tucked out of main view, quiet, easy to miss unless you know it’s there.
I don’t knock. I push the door open. And I stop dead.
Leoni isin Erik’s arms.Her face is buried in his chest, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.And his arms are wrapped around her tightly.
He looks up when I enter. And he smirks. It’s not friendly or kind, it’s predatory. He knows exactly what he’s doing, my father’s little minion carrying out orders.
He tucks a strand of her hair away from her damp cheek with two fingers, deliberately slow as he stares into her eyes, his expression soft and concerned.
My vision goes hot. “What’s going on?” I snap.
