The concern in his voice touched her. “Okay. Thank you.”
Archer reached out, his hand gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Good luck today. Alexandra is the best at what she does. If anyone can sort this mess out, it’s her.”
“I hope so.” Morgan leaned into his touch, still marveling at how natural their physical connection felt despite the barrier of his helmet. “I just want my name cleared so I can move forward, whatever that looks like.”
“It will happen,” he said with such certainty that Morgan almost believed him. “Sooner than you think.”
Forty minutes later, Morgan sat in Alexandra Winters’ elegant office, hands wrapped around a cup of coffee that probably cost more than her entire breakfast budget for the week.
“The injunction was successful,” Alexandra explained, sliding a document across her imposing desk. “Vertex cannot destroy or alter any financial records relating to the accounts you identified.”
“That’s good news,” Morgan said, picking up the paper with careful fingers. “What about my suspension?”
“We’ve sent a formal letter demanding your reinstatement with back pay and a formal apology.” Alexandra’s perfectly manicured nails tapped against her tablet. “But I should prepare you—they’re likely stalling because of the acquisition.”
Morgan looked up sharply. "The acquisition? Has something been finalized?"
"Not yet, but my sources indicate Sullivan Enterprises will complete their purchase by Thursday. Major corporate decisions, including personnel matters, are typically deferred during transitions like this."
"So I just... wait?" The frustration in Morgan's voice was impossible to hide.
Alexandra leaned forward slightly. "Not exactly. I've been in contact with Sullivan's legal team. They're very interested in the evidence we've gathered about financial irregularities at Vertex."
"They are?" Morgan's pulse quickened. "Why would they care about my situation specifically?"
"Because they're conducting their own forensic audit as part of due diligence. Our evidence could expedite their process." Alexandra paused, her expression thoughtful. "Their CFO, Marcus Donovan, has been particularly interested in the financial documentation. He's requested copies of everything we've gathered. Unusual for someone at his level to be so hands-on."
"I see," Morgan said, though she wasn't sure why a high-level executive would take such interest in the details of a relatively small acquisition.
“In fact, they’ve requested a meeting with you.”
“With me? When?”
“Thursday morning. The Sullivan team will be at Vertex to finalize the acquisition, and they’d like to speak with you directly about what you’ve observed.”
Morgan’s mind raced. This could be her opportunity to clear her name completely. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent.” Alexandra made a note on her tablet. “In the meantime, keep documenting anything you remember about the accounts Richard handled. Even small details could be significant.”
As Morgan left the law offices, she felt simultaneously lighter and more burdened. Progress was being made, but the waiting—coupled with the lingering unease about her apartment—left her restless.
The driver Archer had arranged was waiting patiently, opening the car door as she approached. “Where to, Ms. Reeves?”
Morgan checked her watch. Almost eleven-thirty. “Café Meridian on 7th, please. I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”
Morgan arrived at their usual café fifteen minutes early, needing the familiar comfort of routine after the weekend’s rollercoaster. Between the intimacy with Archer, the break-in at her apartment, and now staying at his penthouse, she craved something normal—like lunch with Tessa.
She secured their favorite corner table and ordered a sparkling water while waiting. Deliberately not thinking about work or the break-in, her mind latched onto the invitation from yesterday about the conservation charity dinner on Friday night.
As they had finished up breakfast that morning, Archer had reminded her. “A dress will be delivered on Friday,” he’d said. “My friend has excellent taste, as you know.”
She couldn’t help but wonder if by Friday he’d be comfortable enough to remove their final obstacle and share himself fully, face and all or if he’d be planning on attending the gala wearing his disguise.
The thought made her chuckle to herself.
Hearing the bell on the restaurant’s door, Morgan looked up, “Tessa Wright, looking fabulous as always,” She called out as her friend swept into the café, turning heads in her perfectly tailored pantsuit.
Tessa slid into the chair across from her with a dramatic sigh. “Tell that to my boss who still can’t remember my name after three fucking years.” She studied Morgan’sface with sudden intensity. “You look different. Glowing, even. Please tell me it’s because Helmet Man is actually a sex god.”
