Page 3 of Falling for Mr. Ruthless
My name in his mouth feels invasive. An intimacy I didn’t authorize.
"I assure you, I can be completely professional." I close my portfolio with definitive finality. "Your presence won't affect the audit."
"I know that." He retreats a step, creating space that feels both intentional and necessary. "Your work has always been unimpeachable."
The compliment grips my heart. I ignore it.
"Then we're good." I rise, collecting my belongings. "I'll have my team coordinate with yours for document requests."
"Chanel."
I freeze, my back to him, grip tightening on my bag.
Don't turn around. Don't let him see your expression.
"I didn't request this assignment." His voice softens. Almost gentle. "If I had known you were on the audit team?—"
"It doesn't matter." I cut him off, pivoting to face him. "We're both professionals. We can handle a few weeks of meetings."
He examines me with unsettling thoroughness, attention catching on details I wish he'd overlook. The new haircut. The weight that curves my hips. The small gold earrings Jaden gave me for Mother's Day.
Something electric traces my spine when his gaze lingers. Not embarrassment. Recognition—my nerve endings recallinghis touch before my mind grants permission. Traitorous muscle memory.
"How is he?" The question comes softly. "Was he still talking about that science project when you picked him up this morning?"
Jaden. The sole safe territory between us. The one point where our fractured lines still intersect.
"He's good." My voice involuntarily softens. "The volcano was all he could talk about at breakfast. He's excited to show you the final version tomorrow."
Genuine warmth transforms Jakob's expression, pride illuminating his gaze. "I can't wait to see it. He walked me through three different designs last night."
For one dangerous heartbeat, we're simply two parents sharing joy in our son's achievements. The specters of what we were shimmer between us. So tangible I could almost reach out and touch what we destroyed.
Then I remember the divorce papers. The silence afterward. The way he let me walk away without a single word of explanation.
I straighten my posture. "I should go. I have another meeting."
He nods, stepping aside to let me pass. "I'll see you next week, then."
I'm nearly to the door when he adds, "No one here knows."
I pause, one hand on the doorframe. "Knows what?"
"About us. That we were married." His gaze holds mine, steady and certain. "I've never mentioned it."
Relief mingled with something darker, more complicated, twists through me. "Neither have I. I use Warren professionally."
He nods, understanding. Our shared secret. Our mutual protection.
I continue to the door, keeping my stride measured, unhurried. When I reach the threshold, something reckless compels me to pause. Some buried impulse I thought I'd extinguished years ago.
"Jakob."
He glances up, surprise flickering across his features at the sound of his first name.
"Whatever you're hiding in those pre-2018 documents?" I meet his stare directly, letting him see the strategist who helped build his empire before he let it burn. "I will find it."
Something transforms in his expression.Good. He should be cautious.
