“Private client.”
“Hargrove?”
“Confidential.”
Wyatt’s hands clenched as he watched the two banter.Were they always this combative? Is it foreplay?His jaw tightened.This is the life she could have chosen.
Will turned back to Letty. “You’re talented, but you don’t have to manufacture conspiracy to validate your research.”
Her eyes hardened. “I don’t manufacture anything.”
“Hm.” He held her gaze. “And that’s what worries me.”
The subtle shift in tone tightened something deep in Wyatt’s chest.
“Meaning?” she asked.
“Meaning you don’t stop once you’re convinced.”
“That’s called integrity.”
“That’s called obsession.”
Wyatt stepped fully forward. “Watch it.”
Will didn’t retreat as his lips pulled up into a knowing smile. “You seem very invested.”
Wyatt didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.
“You’ve always had a talent for drawing strong personalities,” Will said to Letty.
“You’re not one of them,” she replied evenly.
That little jab made a hit. Will offered almost a cringe in the flicker of his eye. She cracked his demeanor, and Wyatt smelled blood in the water.
“I came as a courtesy,” he said. “Before this spirals into something damaging.”
“To whom?” Wyatt asked.
“To her reputation.”
Letty inhaled and then scoffed. “You’re worried about my reputation.”
“I’m worried about your trajectory.”
The words sounded benevolent but everyone knew they weren’t.
She stepped forward. “I am none of your business.”
His smile thinned. “I’m trying to protect you.”
Wyatt nearly moved as Cal’s hand landed on his arm.
Will rambled. “The fire was tragic. Accidental, according to the Deputy State Fire Marshal.”
“Incompetent,” Wyatt muttered.
Will ignored him. “You’re letting proximity cloud your analysis.” Will paused. “You always get… attached to the field.”
