"Do you intend to fulfill your job duties to the best of your ability?"
"Yes."
Truth. Whatever else happened, I would do the job well. Pride demanded it.
Forrest glanced at Stone. Some silent communication passed between them.
"Let's talk about your intentions," Stone said, taking over. His voice was harder now. Suspicious. "Why did you apply for this position?"
"I wanted a new opportunity. The position matched my qualifications. Vitality Ventures has an excellent reputation."
All technically true. Just... not the complete truth.
"Are you here under false pretenses?"
My heart rate spiked.
Control it. Breathe.
"No."
Massive lie.
I thought about Quentin. How I'd learned about him and his company even before papa was killed. How I’d admired the growth of his business. And now, how working with him felt right despite everything.
I want to be here. That's not false.
The rationalization helped. My pulse steadied.
"Do you intend to harm Mr. Vanetti or his business interests?"
Another spike. Faster this time.
Because the answer was complicated.
Did I intend to harm him? I was supposed to investigate. Potentially kill him if he'd murdered my father. But did Iintendto?
Not anymore.
"No," I said.
And meant it.
The machine beeped. Differently this time.
Forrest's eyebrows rose.
Stone leaned forward. "That one spiked."
Damn it.
"Sometimes elevated response indicates strong emotion, not deception," Forrest said, still professional. "Let me ask a follow-up."
He met my eyes. Sharp. Calculating.
"Miss Russell, are you attracted to Mr. Vanetti?"
The room went silent.
