Page 44 of Perfect Stalker

As I turn back to the papers, I can feel Ivan’s gaze on me. Our conversation hangs in the air, but there’s something else too. A shift in our dynamic, and a deepening of trust. It feels good.

CHAPTER 16

IVAN

Isit across from Marcus in my office. The city sprawls below, a maze of glass and steel that holds too many secrets.

He slides a tablet across my desk, his expression grim. “Someone’s definitely feeding Alexei information. Details only the inner circle should know.”

I scroll through the report, my jaw tightening with each revelation. Dates, times, and locations—all matching perfectly with my movements over the past month. “This is too precise to be coincidence.”

“My thoughts exactly.” He leans forward. “The intel’s coming from inside our organization. Someone close. I’m convinced there’s a mole but haven’t had any luck finding him—or her—yet.”

I scowl and tap my fingers against the polished mahogany desk. “Run deep background checks. NSA-level probes on everyone—current employees, former employees, their families, andassociates. I want to know what they had for breakfast ten years ago.”

“That’ll take time.” Marcus pulls out his phone, typing rapidly. “We’re talking about hundreds of people, and it might not be any of them.”

“Don’t just limit it to them, of course. Examine everyone—past or present—who’s worked for us and might have a way to get this information. Get started now.” I stand, walking to the window. Atlanta’s skyline stretches before me, but my mind’s on Jenny. If Alexei has an insider, she’s at risk. “Focus on anyone who had access to sensitive information first. Department heads, IT, security.”

“What about the cleaning staff?” asks Marcus. “They’re practically invisible, but they see everything, and we kept most of them on when you took over, since they hadn’t interacted with Ms. Graham.”

“Good point. Add them to the priority list.” I turn back to face him. “If anyone’s hiding anything—gambling debts, affairs, offshore accounts, or hemorrhoids—I want to know about it.”

He nods, his expression hardening. “If someone’s selling us out to Alexei, we’ll find them.”

“Make it happen.” I return to my desk, pulling up the security feed from Jenny’s office. She’s safe, surrounded by my men, but for how long? “Keep this between us for now. The mole might spook if they realize we’re onto them.”

“Understood.” He stands, straightening his jacket. “I’ll start with the most recent terminations and work backward. Someone’s bound to slip up.”

Later that evening,I adjust my tie, scanning the elegant dining room of “The Optimist.” The warm glow of candlelight casts a soft radiance over the polished wood tables and sleek decor. The gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses creates an intimate atmosphere.

Jenny returns from the bathroom. She wears a deep blue dress that accentuates her curves. My breath catches though I’ve already seen her in it tonight. Every moment, she still takes my breath away.

I stand as she approaches, pulling out her chair once more. “You look stunning.”

“You already said that at the penthouse.” A faint blush colors her cheeks. “But thank you.”

We settle in, perusing the menu. The waiter arrives, and I order a bottle of Chardonnay. “How are you holding up?” I ask, studying her face for signs of stress.

Jenny shrugs, her fingers fidgeting with her napkin. “I’m okay. It’s good to have a normal moment.”

I nod, understanding the weight of recent events. “I hoped this dinner might offer a brief reprieve.”

Her lips curve into a small smile. “I appreciate that.”

The waiter returns with our wine. I sample it, then nod my approval. He pours two glasses before departing.

Jenny takes a sip, her eyes widening. “This is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it.” I raise my glass. “To new beginnings?”

She hesitates before clinking her glass against mine. “To new beginnings.”

We order our meals—the wood-grilled swordfish for her, and the New York strip for me. As we wait, I try to steer the conversation to lighter topics. “Tell me about your favorite vacation,” I say.

Jenny’s eyes light up. “Oh, that’s easy. A few years ago, I took a solo trip to Greece. I spent two weeks island hopping, exploring ancient ruins, and eating my weight in feta cheese.”

I chuckle, imagining her wandering sun-drenched streets. “That sounds incredible. What was your favorite part?”

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