Chapter 10
278words
But when he turned slightly, revealing his profile, all doubt vanished.
I couldn't stop the small gasp that escaped my lips.
The man standing just yards away was unmistakably James.
But he wasn't alone.
If the other man had been a stranger, that would be one thing. But I recognized him.
It was Frank Morgan—the same Frank Morgan whose company had partnered with ours.
I'd personally prepared the budget reports for that partnership.
What I couldn't comprehend was why Morgan—a man worth millions—was practically bowing to James, looking deferential.
He even pulled out an expensive cigar from his jacket.
And offered it to James.
Then produced a gold lighter to light it for him.
I pinched my arm hard.
This had to be some bizarre dream.
But I pinched too hard.
Way too hard.
A sharp hiss escaped my lips before I could stop it.
In the hushed hallway, the sound carried like a gunshot.
Both men turned.
James froze mid-puff, the cigar suspended between his fingers as our eyes met.
In that split second, I saw a cocktail of emotions flash across his face—shock, guilt, fear.
But what he did next left me speechless.
"Honey! I was just helping Mr. Morgan test if this cigar was fresh."
"Honest!"
He held up three fingers to his ear, as if swearing.
...
I watched as Morgan—a man who probably ate CEOs for breakfast—fumbled his lighter in panic.
James handed the cigar back to Morgan with exaggerated politeness.
With the fakest smile I'd ever seen.
"Mr. Morgan, we'll continue our discussion another time."
"I need to take my girlfriend home now."
