Chapter 3 - The Boardroom AmbushThe air in the room turned brittle. The senior board members looked at Owen with expressions ranging from stern disgust to cold indifference.
“Let’s speak plainly, Owen,” Evan continued, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket as he walked slowly down the length of the table toward him. “Harper Bennett is a thief. She left this company under suspicious circumstances, stole confidential client files, and moved into your apartment to hide. And now, it appears you are her accomplice.”
“She didn't steal anything, Evan,” Owen said, his voice flat and steady. “And you know it.”
“I know what the board sees,” Evan sneered, leaning in close so only Owen could hear his lowered tone. “The board sees a low-level worker bee taking bribes from a disgraced ex-girlfriend. By noon today, federal fraud charges will be filed against her. She’s going to prison, Parker. Unless...”
Evan paused, tapping his fingers against the polished mahogany.
“Unless what?” Owen asked softly.
“Unless she comes back to my office today, signs a full confession taking sole responsibility for the missing files, and agrees to return to my personal employ,” Evan whispered, his dark eyes gleefully hostile. “You’re a sensible guy, Owen. You pay your rent on time. Don’t ruin your life for a woman who lied to you from the moment she walked into your apartment.”
Owen looked directly into Evan’s eyes. He felt the cold rage burning in his chest, but he did not lash out. He simply reached down to his bag, quietly clicking a small button inside his pocket.
May you like
“Give me until two p.m.,” Owen said, keeping his tone tight and restrained.
Evan chuckled, tapping Owen patronizingly on the shoulder. “Two p.m., handyman. Don’t be late.”
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