Page 6 of Blackmailing the Mogul

Jenna

Access Denied

“Shoot!” I mutter under my breath as frustration bubbles in my chest.

It's the sixth time I've been denied access to the company's system. At this point, I don't know whether to be offended or impressed. I've never had such a hard time getting into any company's system, but then again, I've never tried to infiltrate a medical company before. It's been a week since I started working at MedPlus and I expected to have gotten my work done by now but here I am, stuck running errands for other people. I've tried every trick up my sleeve, but nothing seems to work. The company's security protocols are on a whole other level, designed to test my prowess as a hacker

Tapping my fingers impatiently on my desk, I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose, then pause to look around the room for the thousandth time. I know that no one is watching because everyone is usually out of the office for lunch breaks or meetings at this time, but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful.

Pushing aside my paranoia, I flex my finger and get to work again and once again, I'm denied access. I close my eyes, groaning loudly in frustration. A true genius must have written this code, I’ve never been unable to get past the first line of defense.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of someone entering the office. I quickly minimize my screen and glance up to see Ryan's freckled-faced secretary walk in. She's gorgeous, as expected of a billionaire CEO's secretary, graceful, and impeccably dressed.

She stops in front of my desk, her expression blank as usual. “Good afternoon, Miss Henson.”

“Good afternoon,” I reply, keeping my tone even while racking my head for a viable excuse if she queries why I didn't go on lunch break with the others.

"You've been assigned to stay back after hours to assist in a meeting on the executive floor," she says in a flat tone, her gaze unwavering as they bore into my soul.

For a moment, I wonder if she has something against me or if she is always so… frosty. Could she suspect my motives for working here?

“All right,” I say, trying to hide my surprise at the unexpected assignment. "I'll make sure to be prepared."

"Be punctual," she adds. "The meeting is scheduled to start precisely at 6 p.m."

"I will be," I assure her, wondering what kind of meeting would require my presence so soon after starting this new job.

"Good," she says, giving me a curt nod. "Make sure to check your email and prepare the necessary files for the meeting. Mr. Anders doesn't tolerate sloppiness."

"Of course," I say with a small nod

Without another word, she turns and walks away, her heels clicking softly against the floor. I watch her leave, my mind racing. Staying after hours for a meeting on the executive floor could provide an opportunity for me to gather information or access parts of the system that were previously off-limits. It could also mean I'll be under closer scrutiny than before. It's a tough call, either way.

For the rest of the afternoon, I try to go over dossiers for the meeting. I can barely understand the medical jargon, but I keep my eyes glued to my computer screen, taking in as much information as my brain can retain. As the time gets closer, I can't seem to help the anxiety bubbling in my chest. I don't know if it's the thought of sitting through a meeting with a bunch of executives, including Ryan Anders. I haven't seen him around after running head-on into him in the hallway on my first day. My skin flushes with embarrassment at the memory of how I'd stumbled over my words and literally ran off after. His piercing gaze and commanding presence had rattled me more than I'd care to admit.

Get it together, Jenna!

I glance at my watch, taking a deep breath when I realize it's almost time for the meeting. I gather the files and notes I've prepared, double-checking everything to ensure I didn't miss anything. With the materials in hand, I rise from my desk and make my way to the executive floor. My heart seems to beat faster with every step I take. The closer I get, the bigger my urge to turn around and run grows.

"I can do this," I mutter to myself, letting out a shaky breath as I stop in front of the boardroom. "You've got this, Jenna."

I push the door open and, as I step into the meeting room, I'm surprised to see Ryan standing inside, his arresting brown eyes boring directly into mine. I freeze, my heart slamming unexpectedly hard against my rib cage.

He looks like he literally just stepped off the back cover of a fashion magazine with his imposing tall frame and face that seems chiseled to perfection by a master sculptor. If Adonis were to come to life, I'm sure he'd look exactly like Ryan Anders.

“Would you like me to pose for a picture, Miss Henson? It'd last longer.” He asks quietly. His voice is quiet, but holds undeniable authority. He moves slightly away from the desk where he was reclining and it dawns on me all over again how tall he really is. The large boardroom suddenly feels too small.

My throat suddenly goes dry. "What?" I ask blankly, unable to make any sense of his words.

His deep brown eyes flash with irritation. He mutters something under his breath, most likely a curse word, and then he arches a perfectly carved brow at me. "If you're going to stand there and stare at me all day, you might as well take a photo and get it over with.

Heat floods my cheeks at the realization that I was caught staring at him. “I- I'm sorry, sir,”

I mutter, quickly stepping inside and closing the door behind me.

“Where's your laptop?” He asks, glancing from the files in my hands to my face.

“What laptop?”

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