“Noted,” I reply. “Denied.”
He stiffens. “We’re entitled to one.”
“You are,” I agree. “After my question is answered.”
I meet Viktor’s gaze again.
“Explain the accounts.”
He hesitates. And with that hesitation, I get exactly what I need. By the time it’s over, he’s said more than intended. It’s enough that I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of the case in court.
“We can end here today,” I inform him and his attorney.
I gather my files, stacking them neatly before standing. Which is when I notice someone standing at the door to the room, a small smile on his face like he knows he absolutely shouldn’t be here.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Hunt. That will be all for now”
He doesn’t respond. Just watches me warily as I leave. I step outside the conference room and begin walking down the hall. Frowning slightly, I look around, wondering where he disappeared to.
“That was very impressive, rich girl.”
The voice comes from behind me. I jolt, slightly startled, before turning around.
Edward Fadden leans causally against the wall, one shoulder resting against it like he’s been there a while, watching.
“Agent Fadden,” I acknowledge. “You weren’t given authorization to sit in on my deposition.”
“I was not,” he agrees, pushing off the wall to stand in front of me. “But I was at your office and your paralegal told me about it. I thought I’d check you out.”
“And?”
“And your reputation is well earned,” he replies. “You’re a force to be reckoned with when you want to be.”
My eyebrow arches, “I want to be a force to be reckoned with all the time.”
“A woman after my own heart.”
I roll my eyes. “What do you need, Agent Fadden?”
He falls into step beside me as I head down the hall. “Straight to business? You’re hurting my feelings, Ms. Beaumont.”
“Oh dear. Whatever shall I do about that,” I say dryly.
He huffs a quiet laugh. “You weren’t in the office yesterday. I came asking for you. And your paralegal told me you’d taken a sick day. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a small cold,” I lie.
He studies me. I can feel it without turning to look at his face.
“Well, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing I should know about?”
“No.”
A beat. Then he nods once, filing that away for later.
