Page 54 of Executive Privilege

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he used our pillow talk to steal clients, our intimate conversations to understand competitor strategies, our relationship to gain insider knowledge about agency operations. And when I finally realized what was happening, when I confronted him about using me for professional gain, he turned it around."

Victoria takes another sip of coffee, her green eyes cold.

"He accused me of industrial espionage. Said I was using our relationship to steal Event Horizons' client strategies for my own agency. Had security footage doctored to show me accessing areas I'd never been in. Destroyed my reputation so thoroughly that I had to leave Austin to find work."

"That's..." I trail off, because the story at odds with everything I know about Nicholas.

"That's exactly what he'll do to you," Victoria finishes.

But there's something about Victoria's version that feels like gaslighting. Manipulation. She thinks I'll just believe her? A total stranger. She doesn't know me. Doesn't know how I can read people.

"You're lying."

"Why would I lie? What do I gain from warning you about Nicholas Blackwood?"

"I don't know. But something about your story doesn't add up."

"What doesn't add up?"

"A master manipulator who's using emotional intimacy for business gain would have had nothing to gain from me. I was already his employee. I have nothing more than my skills and experience to offer, which are both already at his disposal."

Victoria stares at me for a long moment, something shifting in her expression. The calculating coldness wavers for a split second.

My phone buzzes with an incoming call. Nicholas's name appears on the screen, and my heart rate immediately accelerates.

"I have to take this," I tell Victoria.

"Sadie." Nicholas's voice is strained, almost desperate. "Where are you?"

"Getting coffee. Why?"

"You need to come back to the office. Now."

"What's wrong?"

"Someone called the office asking for you earlier today. Said they were from Hartwell Industries, wanted to verify your employment and role in their campaign resolution. When we asked for details, they hung up. But not before Frankie gave them your cell number."

My blood runs cold. "Nicholas—"

"Someone's investigating you, Sadie. Someone who knows about your involvement in the Hartwell situation. This could be connected to the original leak, or it could be someone trying to use you to get to Event Horizons."

Across the table, Victoria is watching my face with sharp attention.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes," I say.

"Be careful. If someone's targeting you because of your association with Event Horizons, if they think you have access to confidential information—"

His stress levels are through the roof. He's spiralling and acting paranoid. I wish I could comfort him. Tell him everything is fine. But I can't say anything withBitchtorialistening.

"I'll be careful."

After I hang up, Victoria raises an eyebrow. "Trouble in paradise?"

"Victoria," I say, trying to appear as though I'm struggling with my thoughts. "It's been interesting meeting you, but I have to go. My sister has an emergency. You've given me some things to think about. Thank you."

I look around. Pull my eyebrows together as though struggling with my internal thoughts. "Can I have your card so I can call you. I'm so confused. Maybe we can talk some more about Nicholas?"