Page 42 of Baby For My Ex's Brother

Like I’ve got the upper hand again after being knocked off balance.

Jackie's voice cuts through the hum of the office as I pass the front desk, her tone carrying a touch of mischief. "You did a really good thing yesterday, you know."

I pause, raising an eyebrow at her. "Is it that rare?"

"Absolutely," she replies with a smirk, leaning forward on her elbows. "You might just ruin your reputation as the office tyrant."

"Can't have that, can we?" I quip, the corner of my mouth lifting despite myself.

"Enjoy your lunch," she says, waving me off with that knowing look in her eyes.

The city doesn't stop for anyone, not even for Liam Nolan, but today, it seems like I'm moving with the current rather than against the flow. I find a high-end bistro a few blocks away from the office, one with discreet booths that offer privacy—a necessity when you could get a confidential call at any given moment.

I'm halfway through my steak, savoring the perfectly cooked meat when my phone buzzes against the linen tablecloth. Derek Turner’s name flashes across the screen, and I already know this isn’t a social call.

With a resigned sigh, I answer.

"Liam, it's Derek. We've got a problem," he says without preamble, his voice tight with tension.

"What happened?" I ask, setting down my cutlery.

"Nora's gone rogue. She violated the NDA." His words are clipped, angry.

"Already?" I press the phone closer to my ear, irritation simmering. "How bad?"

"Bad enough that I want to sue her into oblivion," he spits out. "I need you on this, Liam. Now."

A twinge of guilt hits me, souring the taste of the expensive steak. I swallow it down with a gulp of water.

"Alright, I'll get right on it," I say, my voice steady despite the frustration brewing in my chest.

"Good. Keep me updated." Derek hangs up without another word.

I toss a couple of bills onto the table, barely noticing the numbers. The weight of the leather briefcase feels heavier as I make my way back to the office, my mood as dark as the clouds gathering overhead. The contrast between this morning's light-hearted banter with Shiloh and now couldn't be starker.

I shouldn’t feel bad about this… but all I can picture is the look on Shiloh’s face when we met with Nora Turner in Atlanta.

Complete betrayal.

I don’t want her to look at me like that again, but I’ll need her help on this.

Back at Aegis Legal Group, the elevator dings open, and I stride out, my footsteps echoing through the empty corridor.

"Shiloh," I call out before I even reach her desk. She looks up from her computer, that damn infectious smile still playing on her lips. It falters when she sees my face.

"Yes, Mr. Nolan?" Concern flickers in her eyes.

"Plan to stay late tonight," I say, my voice rougher than I intend. "We've got files to scan."

Her eyebrows knit together, a silent question forming, but I don’t give her the chance to speak it aloud.

"Clear your schedule," I add, turning on my heel before she can reply.

I don't look back, but I can feel her gaze on me, burning a hole into the back of my suit jacket. Guilt gnaws at me, but I shove it down.

This is business. Nothing personal.

Chapter eighteen

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