Page 42 of Fifth Avenue Devil

"Low-hanging fruit," I say. I keep my voice noncommittal, but I’m considering the prospect. "How deliciously underhanded."

Cash and Drew think I'm enticed by the thought of taking down my rival. Little do they know, my ties to Gellar's empire are deeper, more... personal. But that's a card I'll play close to my chest.

"Interesting proposition," I say. "But before we proceed with such a Machiavellian maneuver, tell me how you found out about this. Surely Archer has wall-papered the whole Upper East Side with non-disclosure agreements."

Cash chuckles, a sound as slick as his carefully styled hair. "A former Gellar nanny has come forward with her story. She gives a colorful account of working for the family for over five years."

I allow myself an inward sigh of relief. Nothing in Cash’s cavalier tone suggests he knows about Annalise and me. Drew doesn't give away anything, either.

My secret is safe for now.

"Drew, what are your thoughts?" I probe further, feigning interest in the details of their plan. I need to keep them talking while also not giving myself away.

The VP's eyes are sharp as flint. "We've been compiling evidence quietly. It's solid. Once exposed, it'll spread like wildfire through the media. Archer's reputation will be ash. Gellar Industries' stock will be practically worthless."

"Scandalous," I murmur. "Give me some time to think it over."

"Of course, take all the time you need," Drew says. He gives me a conspiratorial look, which means he thinks I’m on board.

Cash cuts in. “And by that, he means a couple of weeks at the outside. We must move on this soon before someone else gets wind of it.”

"Of course." I give them a little bow. "Gentlemen, enjoy the rest of the gala. I must circulate."

Cash and Drew both make their way to the bar. I turn in the other direction, wondering how their plan will affect my relationship with Annalise. After all, she is Archer’s daughter. If the company suffers a reversal of fortunes, she’ll likely feel it too.

As though I’d summoned her just by thinking her name, the glint of Annalise’s golden curls catches my eye, a Siren’s song in a sea of monochrome suits and dresses. I watch Annalise navigate the room with an elegance that belies her inexperience at the helm of a corporate empire.

She's a vision in crimson, the dress clinging tightly to her petite curves, provoking more than a few appreciative glances.

"Annalise," I call out. My voice cuts through the din of the gala as I intercept her.

Her head turns. Her nostrils flare and her eyes widen as she takes me in. "Mr. Fordham." Her tone is cautious, yet she is unable to mask the excitement in her eyes.

An electric current sparks between us. But before I can say anything more, Cash materializes beside Annalise, his trademark charm dialed to eleven.

He looks between us, and I can see him slowly putting the puzzle pieces in place.

If I’m not careful, he will know every wicked thing I’ve done to Annalise before I can interject. I want to go on the offensive. But I steel myself. It’s not exactly good business to growl and snap at my own brother over a girl.

Even if the girl is Annalise Gellar.

Cash extends his hand to Annalise. "Miss Gellar, isn't it? I'm Cash, Nate's brother. And you are far too beautiful to be standing here alone."

Cash’s smile is slick. His intent is clear as daylight. She’s a pretty girl. And Cash? Cash is a ladies’ man.

It makes me wish I had never invited Cash to woo Annalise when I’m finished with her.

"Mr. Fordham," she replies, her voice steady even as her body language screams discomfort. "You say that as if I mind being alone. But I don’t."

"Ah, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make your night a little better by joining you," he purrs, leaning closer.

I watch, torn between intervening and compromising what little distance remains between Annalise and me.

"I don’t think your presence would make anything better," she says tartly.

Cash raises a brow. He’s obviously not used to getting this much pushback from women.

"Hard to get, I like that," Cash says. He appears unfazed, but I've reached my breaking point.

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