Oh, how Elena wanted to dismiss the accusatory tone in Imani’s voice. She couldn’t. Her stomach dropped to the floor. How did Imani know of her friendship with Matthew? “No. I’m sorry, but why would I tell Matthew this?” Elena sat on the edge of her chair, and planted her heels firmly on the ground so it wouldn’t swivel. “I can understand you asking me if I mentioned it to Devon because he’s my boss. But, Matthew?”
A knowing smile formed on Imani’s glossy lips. “I’ve been watching you, Elena. More than you know.”
What?Elena crossed her arms. “Why?”
“When I decided I had to step down as a CEO, for my own health, I vetoed the obvious choices. Devon and Matthew. When my investigator told me Matthew had hired you to keep an eye on his half-brother, I looked into you. You’ve worked for one of New York City best marketing firms. You graduated with honors from business school.”
Restless, Elena surged to her feet and looked outside. A huge gray cloud hovered over the skyscrapers. She doubted the compliments she just heard were genuine. Maybe the worst was yet to come. “I meant well when I accepted this position to help Matthew. But now I see it was a mistake. If you want to fire me that’s cool, I totally understand,” she said, proud at how steady her voice sounded. Would she still get to see Devon if he no longer needed her?
A joyful laughter filled the air. Imani gave her a lingering glance. Her eyes gleamed like she found the cure for a terminal disease.
Elena braced herself for what was to come. What if the woman wanted her not only gone from the company, but also from the industry? What if Imani simply hated her for stirring up all that shit? And for discovering the truth before any of the brothers? God. She was so, so done in Denver.
“It’s the other way around, Elena. I want you to be the next CEO,” Imani said, lifting her chin.
