Chapter 4 - UNMASKED THREATS
The aftermath of David Harrison’s arrest sent shockwaves through Cole Meridian Group. By Friday afternoon, federal agents were sweeping through the executive offices, seizing documents and arresting two other senior directors tied to Richard Vance’s embezzlement scheme.
Because Emily’s office was part of the active crime scene, Alex ordered his staff to set up a temporary private office for her on the executive top floor—right next to his own suite.
At 6:00 PM, as the office began to clear out, Alex walked into Emily’s temporary office carrying two paper bags from a local deli.
"I figured you hadn't eaten since breakfast," Alex said, offering a small, hopeful smile.
Emily looked up from her laptop, feeling a mix of exhaustion and affection. "Let me guess... gourmet catering from the Ritz-Carlton?"
"Pastrami on rye from a deli in South Boston," Alex countered, setting the bags on her desk. "And two cans of black cherry soda."
Emily laughed, the tension in her shoulders finally melting away. "You really do know how to win a girl over."
They sat together on the leather couch near the window, eating in comfortable silence while watching the Boston skyline light up against the evening sky.
"Thank you, Alex," Emily said after a moment, setting her sandwich down. "For stopping David last night. And for clear-cutting my name from the investigation."
"You did that yourself by being an incredible strategist," Alex said softly, turning to face her. "Emily... I know I messed up. I know my life looks complicated, dangerous, and absurdly loud right now. But I was telling the truth at dinner."
He reached out, taking her hand in his. "I haven't felt this connected to anyone in years. When my father died, I closed myself off. I thought everyone around me only cared about the Vance name or the money. Meeting you... you didn't care about any of that."
"I didn't know about any of that," Emily smiled faintly.
"And that was the best part," Alex murmured, his eyes locking onto hers. "Will you let me start over? No secrets. No lies. Just Alexander."
Emily looked into his eyes, feeling the steady heat of his hand holding hers. The rigid timeline she had spent thirteen years obsessing over—Married by thirty-five—suddenly felt entirely irrelevant. Life wasn't a neat spreadsheet. It was unpredictable, dangerous, and beautiful.
"One condition," Emily said, a playful smile touching her lips.
"Anything."
"You have to let me buy the next dinner. On a manager’s salary."
Alex let out a rich, deep laugh, his eyes shining. "It’s a deal."
He leaned in slowly, giving her ample time to pull away. But Emily didn't move. When his lips met hers, the kiss was deep, gentle, and electric, sending a surge of warmth through her entire body.
However, their brief moment of peace was abruptly shattered.
Alex’s encrypted phone buzzed violently on the coffee table. He broke the kiss, looking at the caller ID. His expression immediately darkened.
He answered, putting it on speaker.
"Alexander," Richard Vance’s harsh voice echoed through the speaker. Richard was currently out on a two-million-dollar bail posted by his foreign associates. "You think you’ve won because you arrested a few managers?"
"Turn yourself in, Richard," Alex said coldly. "The FBI has the foreign bank records."
"I don't give a damn about the FBI!" Richard snarled, his voice trembling with unhinged rage. "You took everything my father built! You humiliated me! But remember this, Alexander... you aren't the only one who knows how to destroy something valuable."
"What are you talking about?" Alex stood up, his body instantly tense.
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"Check your sweet manager’s condo in Brookline," Richard cackled darkly before hanging up.
Emily stood up, her face turning pale. "My apartment..."