Page 280 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

One last look at my reflection, and I knew I was ready. Returning to the table, I advised Jenna and Dylan it was best for them to head up to their room, perhaps for their own safety.

I found myself in the vast expanse of the lobby, feigning interest in my phone's screen as the wait wore on. Each passing minute was a ticking bomb, a step closer to meeting the man who was the nightmare incarnate.

Suddenly, the lobby's revolving doors swung around with an air of intimidating authority. In strode Clint Tyree, every inch the sinister figure I'd heard stories about. Like the calm before the storm, his dark eyes scanned the crowd before landing on me. His silhouette, a towering figure amidst the flurry of unsuspecting hotel guests, demanded attention. It was as though the devil himself had stepped into the room.

He moved toward me with the cocky swagger of a man who believed himself untouchable. His grin was wide, too wide—a smug smirk that made my skin crawl. Without so much as a word, he dropped himself into the chair next to mine, an occasional table standing sentinel between us. The proximity did nothing to soften the tension. Instead, it felt like a challenge, a silent declaration of the battle to come.

“Hello, Ms. Thompson.” Clint began, his voice smooth as he sat beside me. His eyes flickered with an odd interest, making me slightly uncomfortable.

“Hello, it's a pleasure seeing you again, Mr. Tyree." I extended a hand toward him, putting on my best professional smile. Clint's grip was firm, perhaps a bit too tight, but I shook it off, focusing on the mission.

"You know, Ms. Thompson, I've heard a lot about you," Clint started, his voice low and almost friendly. "You come highly recommended. Quite the impressive resume. And, of course, I have first-hand experience working with you at Rosedale."

"Thank you, yes, that's right, Mr. Tyree. It seems like just yesterday. But I believe we're here to discuss a potential partnership on a new security app project, aren't we? I'm interested in getting back to work developing software." I kept my voice steady, meeting his gaze evenly. Clint seemed to be impressed, if not taken aback a bit by my direct approach.

"Indeed," he responded, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you?"

"No time for that, I'm afraid," I replied lightly, batting my lashes. "There's a lot to accomplish and too little time. I have other interviews scheduled in the next few days and am eager to get started back to work after traveling. So, shall we discuss the specifics of the project?"

Clint's grin widened at this, seeming to appreciate my straightforwardness. He leaned back in his chair, nodding in agreement. "Fair enough, Ms. Thompson. Let's dive right in, then."

As the discussion about the project unfolded, I consciously navigated it toward the necessary details, tactfully sidelining any unrelated comments Clint tried to weave in. His smugness was unnerving, but the mental image of Brad and the entire Rosedale crew helped me maintain a composed and professional demeanor, ensuring the conversation stayed focused.

His eyes, however, kept drifting toward my engagement ring, a clear indication of his intrusive curiosity or his growing suspicion. I decided to address it head-on. "This?" I said, raising my hand to show off the ring. "Yes, I've recently become engaged."

Clint raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Lucky man!"

"Yes, he is," I replied, looking Clint directly in the eyes. "Now, shall we get back on topic? You were discussing a new security app for a company you have a contract with, right?'

"The app is in development."

"I'm sure you recall you and I worked together at Rosedale on a grant for a similar app design before you had to leave on a family emergency.”

"Yes, of course. One of the very reasons I was trying to contact you." Tyree hung on to the word 'one' a bit longer than necessary, so I played along.

Leaning forward, faking interest, I moistened my lips, "And what company, exactly, is your contract with?"

Shifting in his seat, he eagerly volunteered the words I'd been waiting for. "Valley Technologies. They are located in San Jose, I'm proud to say."

"Ah, yes. I'm familiar with Valley Tech."

Even as we continued our discussion, I was acutely aware of the wire hidden beneath my blouse. Each word he uttered, each revelation he made, was being recorded.

Suddenly, his eyes darted around the room, and I glanced over my shoulder to see what he was looking at, but I saw no one in particular—at least that I recognized. But the air in the room seemed to thicken. His once smug smile had all but vanished, replaced with a hardened frown that felt more like a precursor to a storm than a simple change of mood.

His eyes, once careless, were now honed into sharp instruments, probing, dissecting, scrutinizing. Was it a flicker of doubt that danced in those depths, or had the predator smelled a trap?

"Is there something you're not telling me, Ms. Thompson?" he asked. His eyes searched mine, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. Was this curiosity, or had he pieced it together? His question hung in the air, wrapping the room in tense silence.

"I believe there's been a misunderstanding, Mr. Tyree," I responded calmly, standing to my feet.

"What's going on here?” Clint quipped, his eyes darting around like a cornered animal. He had figured it out, and I braced myself for what would happen next.

A door inside the lobby with 'housekeeping' stenciled above it crashed open. I was shocked to see Brad storming in, accompanied by Downing, Butch, and Dave. Clint froze mid-step, his eyes widening in surprise. His smug veneer had morphed into fear—wide-eyed and pale.

With a piercing gaze, Agent Downing held his FBI badge high for Clint to see. "Clint Tyree, you're under arrest for industrial espionage and manslaughter,” he announced. His voice echoed through the room, and every pair of eyes turned to witness the spectacle.

Clint's eyes flickered from Brad to me, realization dawning on him. "This was a setup!"

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