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“What exactly did you say to her?” I asked again.

“That women like her only advance through certain… methods. That her position was more about who she was sleeping with than her abilities.”

I released him and took a step back. The rage inside me had crystallized into something cold and focused. Bradley mistook my withdrawal for mercy and visibly relaxed.

“I see,” I said quietly. “And what did she say in response?”

“She told me to fuck off,” he said with a nervous laugh. “She’s got quite the mouth on her.”

“Walk with me, Bradley.”

He hesitated. “Sir, I have people waiting for me inside⁠—”

“They’ll wait,” I cut him off. “Come.”

I led him further down the corridor, away from the gala. The sounds of music and conversation faded behind us as we moved toward a service exit. Bradley followed like a man being led to his death which wasn’t far from the truth.

“You’ve been with Ashcroft Group for how long now?” I asked in an attempt to keep things light.

“Four years, sir.” His voice had regained some confidence. “And I’ve always delivered results.”

“Results,” I repeated. “Yes. You have delivered… something.”

We reached the service exit that led to an alley. I pushed the door open and held it open because I have manners.

“I don’t understand why we’re out here, sir.”

“Privacy,” I replied simply. “For what needs to be said next.”

“Sir, whatever I said to Ms. Prescott—” he began.

“You insulted her intelligence and her professional accomplishments,” I interrupted. “You implied she achieved her position through sexual favors rather than merit.”

Bradley’s face shifted as if I slapped him but settled into a nervous smile. “It was just talk, sir. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“You didn’t mean anything by it,” I repeated, testing the phrase on my tongue. I removed my jacket and carefully folded it, placing it on a nearby garbage can. “Is that what you call it?”

“Everyone knows why she’s suddenly so important to you,” he said, emboldened by what he perceived as my calm demeanor. “I mean, have you seen her? I’d have her hang on my arm too if⁠—”

I didn’t let him finish that thought. My fist connected with his stomach and I smirked as he doubled over. As he gasped for air, I grabbed his hair and yanked his head back up.

“Everyone knows,” I said softly. “Tell me, Bradley, what exactly does everyone know?”

“Nothing,” he wheezed. “I was out of line. It won’t happen again.”

“You’re right about that.” I moved closer as I withdrew one of my knives. Bradley’s eyes widened as he registered what was happening.

“Fuck,” he whispered, pressing himself harder against the wall. “You can’t be serious. Over a woman?”

I tilted my head slightly, studying him. I loved watching his panic rise. “Yes, over a ‘woman.’”

“I’ve been nothing but loyal,” he pleaded. “Whatever she told you⁠—”

“Don’t care.”

“Everyone will know it was you,” he said.

His voice shook and it sent a thrill down my spine. I couldn’t fight my grin. “No, they won’t.”