“Do we know which companies are bidding?” Morgan asked, curious whether any names would be familiar.
“Several major players in the industry,” Alexandra replied vaguely. “But the front-runner appears to be Sullivan Enterprises.”
The name meant nothing to Morgan. “I’m not familiar with them.”
There was a brief pause on the line. “Sullivan Enterprises is a multinational security and technology firm. They’ve been diversifying into creative services among other businesses recently, which explains their interest in Vertex.”
“I see,” Morgan said, though she wasn’t sure why this particular bidder mattered. “What’s our next step?”
“I’ve arranged a meeting with Vertex’s legal counsel for Monday morning,” Alexandra explained. “We’ll present evidence of tampering with your digital signature and demand your reinstatement. In the meantime, I need you to gather any documentation you might have—emails, notes, anything that could support your version of events.”
“I’ve already sent you everything I saved,” Morgan said. “My access to the company system was cut off when they suspended me.”
“We’ll work with what we have then,” Alexandra assured her. “One more thing, Morgan. Have you spoken with Archer about this situation?”
Surprised, Morgan answered. “Briefly,” she admitted. “He knows I’ve been suspended, but not all the details. Why?”
Another pause, longer this time. “No reason in particular. I was just curious about the extent of his involvement.”
The phrasing struck Morgan as odd. What “involvement” would Archer have in her workplace issues? Before she could ask for clarification, Alexandra was continuing.
“I’ll call you Monday after the meeting. Try to enjoy your weekend despite all this.”
“Thank you, Alexandra. For everything.”
After hanging up, Morgan stared at her phone, puzzling over the attorney’s strange question about Archer. There was something she was missing, some connection she wasn’t seeing.
“Everything okay?” Archer asked, returning to the terrace with fresh coffee.
Morgan accepted the cup gratefully. “Yes, just an update from Alexandra. She’s filing an injunction to preserve evidence and meeting with Vertex’s legal team on Monday.”
“Good,” Archer said, taking a seat across from her. “Alexandra is formidable. I wouldn’t want to face her in a negotiation.”
“You know her well?” Morgan asked, recalling the attorney’s immediate response to Archer’s name.
“Professionally,” Archer confirmed. “She’s handled sensitive matters for me in the past.”
Morgan nodded, accepting the explanation though it felt incomplete. So much about Archer remained shrouded in mystery—his full identity, his exact profession, the source of his obvious wealth. The questions hovered at the edges of her mind, persistent yet unasked.
“Alexandra mentioned that Vertex is being considered for acquisition,” she said instead. “Apparently a company called Sullivan Enterprises is the front-runner.”
If she had expected a reaction to the name, she was disappointed. Archer merely nodded. “I’ve heard of them. Major security firm, if I recall correctly.”
“That’s what Alexandra said,” Morgan confirmed. “I’m not familiar with them myself.”
“I’m sure corporate acquisitions can be complicated,” Archer observed, his tone neutral. “Especially when financial irregularities are involved.”
Morgan sighed, setting down her coffee cup. “I just want this nightmare to be over. I did nothing wrong, yet I’m the one sitting at home while Richard continues to operate unchecked.”
“It won’t be much longer,” Archer assured her, reaching across the table to take her hand. “The truth has a way of emerging, especially when powerful forces are involved.”
There was something in his tone—a certainty beyond mere optimism—that caught Morgan’s attention. But before she could pursue it, Archer was standing, pulling her gently to her feet.
“Enough work talk for now,” he said. “Let’s enjoy this beautiful day. What would you like to do? We could stay here, or go out somewhere if you prefer.”
The question brought Morgan back to the reality of their situation. Going out together would mean Archer in his helmet, drawing stares and questions. It would mean maintaining the charade in public, navigating the complications of his anonymity beyond the privacy of his penthouse.
“Let’s stay here,” she decided. “Maybe watch a movie in that impressive home theater of yours?”
