Page 8 of Blackmailing the Mogul

"Mr. Anders?" Grant calls, his deep voice piercing through my hazy thoughts.

I snap back to attention, looking away from Jenna's retreating figure. I can sense the subtle glances exchanged around the table, the unspoken shock at my momentary lapse in attention.

“Yes, Mr. Den?” I ask, trying to sound casual despite the embarrassment coursing through my veins

“Mr. Farrell asked for your thoughts on leveraging targeted digital marketing campaigns to reach our key demographics effectively,” Grant supplies, doing nothing to hide the arrogant smirk tugging at his lips.

I might just fire the cheeky bastard one of these days.

“That's a great idea,” I say, looking at the visual representation on the screen. “Show me the numbers from the last three years.”

The rest of the meeting is a blur as I struggle to keep my focus on what's being said. Try as I may, my mind keeps going back to Jenna and it's taking every iota of my self-control not to look at her.

This doesn't make any sense… I barely know her, and her intentions are questionable; the mere fact that she's related to Henry is a fucking red flag. There are so many reasons I shouldn't pursue her, but I want her. It doesn't make any sense… Whatever it is, though, it needs to stop and the only way that can happen is to get rid of her.

The sooner the better.

***

The instant I get into my office, I grab the telephone and dial the temp agency's number. A woman with a nasal voice picks up and quickly connects my call to the director's office the moment she hears my name.

The executive director of the temp agency, Tom Carson, picks on the second ring, his eager-to-please laughter ringing annoyingly in my ears.

“I'm surprised to hear from you personally, Mr. Anders,” Tom says after we exchange pleasantries. “How may I help you?”

I hesitate, trying to find the right words to articulate my thoughts. “I was wondering if it's possible to replace the temp you sent over last time.”

“Do you mean Jenna Henson?” Tom asks, sounding perplexed.

“Yes. How soon can a replacement be sent?”

“I'm sorry, but may I ask why?” Tom asks and I can almost imagine his bushy brows wrinkling in confusion. “As far as I know, your HR department sent a report just yesterday about her excellent performance at the company. I must say I'm surprised you're asking for her to be replaced.”

"It's not that she isn't a good worker, it's just…" I trail off, wondering how to explain to the man that even though Jenna Henson is my ex-business partner's stepsister, and I doubt she's up to any good, I'm attracted to her and constantly thinking about what it'd be like to throw her over my desk and fuck the living shit out of her. How do I explain to Tom Carson that I need her out of my space before I lose control and do something that I might end up regretting?

“She doesn't seem like a good fit for the position,” I finish lamely. “I went through her resume and she's over-qualified for the job.”

Tom remains quiet for a while, as if carefully thinking about his next words, then he clears his “I understand what you mean, Mr. Anders but Miss Henson is an excellent worker, and I don't see any reason you should let her go just yet. How about you let her work until the end of the month?

If she still doesn't seem like a good fit then, we'll send a replacement.”

"Fine, Tom," I say reluctantly. "She can stay until the end of the month. But if I still feel like she’s the wrong fit, she’s gone.”

"Thank you, Mr. Anders," Tom says, sounding relieved. "I appreciate your understanding. And who knows, you might find that Jenna grows on you."

I grunt, feeling a sense of unease. I have a feeling that's exactly what's going to happen. And that's exactly the problem.

"Thanks, Tom. I'll talk to you soon," I say, hanging up the phone.

I lean back in my chair, feeling frustrated and trapped. I need to get a grip on myself. I can't get too wrapped up in these confusing emotions when my company is at stake. If Henry indeed sent Jenna here, then there's a possibility she plans to do some damage to the company, and I need to keep a close eye on her.

But how can I do that without blowing my cover?

Suddenly, an idea pops into my head, like a lightbulb; I'm going to seduce Jenna Henson! I'm going to make her fall for me, so hard that she'll spill all of Henry's plans, and then I'm going to get revenge.

The thought sends a thrill through me, and I can't help but smile to myself. Seduce Jenna, get her on my side, and use her to get back at Henry. It's a brilliant plan, and I can't wait to put it into action. I'm a master in the art of seduction, a naive nerd like Jenna Henson has no chance. If Henry has decided to go low by setting me up with his sister, I'll go lower to destroy them both.

I lean forward in my chair, my mind racing with strategies and tactics. I'll start by apologizing and calling a truce. Then I'll charm my way into her heart, gain her trust, and then slowly reel her in. I'll make her feel special, wanted, and needed. And once she's hooked, I'll use her to get the information I need to take down Henry and his plans.

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