Page 15 of An Eye For Illusion

“You didn’t answer my question. Who’s the old guy I passed coming in?”

His arrogance is too much, but I’m also desperate for answers.

“Harrison Foster, my father. Now, get on with it. What did you find?” I can’t stifle my interest. I hope he has something I can use to nail Elliott to the wall.

Another cocky grin pulls at one corner of his admittedly kissable mouth. “Oh, there’s nothing yet. However, I wanted to be sure I updated you promptly, even if there’s nothing new. Per your request,” he says with a hint of superiority. He rises before tapping the edge of my desk with two fingers. “I’ll update again soon.”

Then he just fucking turns to walk away.

As pissed off as a wet cat, I stomp my Louboutin and march after him. The sound of my red-bottom stiletto heels ring in my ears. “Dammit, Colin!”

He spins to face me just before reaching my office door. Thanks to the extra six inches my shoes give me, we’re nearly nose to nose in a faceoff. His expression is indifferent, and mine reflects absolute fury.

“You could have called for that. I thought you had something!” I’m pissed but keep my voice down. There’s no need to draw Heather’s attention. The less people who know about this arrangement, the better.

“Okay, so would you like me to call when there’s an update? An actual, ‘Hey, I found something,’ update?” He adds air quotes for effect.

I blow out a frustrated breath. He’s doing this to make a point. And as much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. There’s no need to update if there’s nothing to tell. My daily inquiries are out of desperation and need for control of some aspect of my personal life, but he doesn’t need to know that. Every day I inch closer to this damn wedding is one day closer to signing my life away.

“Yes.” My answer drips with defeat.

“Fine. You’re the boss.” That cocky grin spreads across his flawless face again. He doesn’t wait for me to respond. He pulls the office door open and steps into the hallway, allowing the door to close behind him.

I step forward, turn, and sag back against my office door. What have I gotten myself into, and how the hell do I get myself out?

Chapter 6

Colin

I’m pretty proud of myself when Jade’s office door clicks closed behind me. The look of defeat on her face was fucking priceless. Serves her right with her high and mighty attitude, taking her down a few notches was necessary.

Heather’s glare doesn’t go unnoticed as I pass the reception area. I likely put her in hot water with the boss, but it had to be done. I love fucking with Jade. Pissing off a client is a thrill I never knew I’d enjoy so much. And truthfully, I don’t think I’d enjoy it with anyone else.

I make myself a mental note to send Heather flowers or something as an apology. It wasn’t like she could stop me. I made up my mind on the drive over that I would walk in there like I own the place just to see Jade’s reaction. I honestly thought she might fire me on the spot, and as pissed as Liam would’ve been, it was worth the risk.

I press the down button and wait for the elevator to arrive on the twenty-third floor. When the doors open, I’m surprised to see Harrison Foster inside. I hesitate to get in the elevator with him. Jade made it clear he wasn’t supposed to know anything about the investigation into Elliott Moore.

His eyes widen as he waits for me to enter. He clears his throat. “Are you going down?”

I nod and step into the elevator.

Since he’s right beside the buttons, I have to lean over to press G for ground. The moment I do, I step back to put distance between us. I decide to avoid small talk altogether. He wouldn’t have any reason to know who I am, so I act like I don’t know who he is either.

“Did you get everything sorted out?” he asks. His words throw me off, so I don’t immediately respond. At what must be visible confusion in my expression, he clarifies. “With Jade. I saw you heading toward her office. You must be a potential client. I haven’t seen you here before. Who are you with?”

I school my expression. I’m used to remaining indifferent, so it isn’t a stretch for me. Although, I didn’t expect this interaction with Harrison Foster at all.

“Oh, no, sir. I’m just a…friend of Jade’s.”

He narrows his eyes at me like he’s trying to place who I am. “Hmm. Well, I’m Harrison Foster.” He offers me his hand to shake. “I’m Jade’s father. I don’t think we’ve met before. I thought I knew most of Jade’s friends. You must be a new friend.”

His demeanor is friendly, but skeptical. This is quickly turning into the longest elevator ride of my life. At this point, I’m praying for someone else to get in with us. Maybe it’ll shut him up—respectfully.

I shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Foster. And yes, we just met recently.”

I didn’t give him my name; no need to risk him mentioning me to Moore. His gaze narrows even more.

“Do you know Elliott Moore as well? He’s Jade’s fiancé.” He emphasizes fiancé.

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