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“I took the liberty of inspecting some access points already. A preliminary check, but it seems there are some vulnerabilities we should address.” Connor winks at me, and I grit my teeth.

Vulnerabilities indeed.

“In fact, I have something for you.” Connor takes out his phone.

The photo!

“Wait!” I reach forward to his phone, but as I glance at the screen, it’s just a list with bullet points and no photo.

“What’s wrong?” My father’s eyes narrow at me.

“I’m sorry. I thought I… should show him around before we get into the details.”

“Ah, yes, of course. That’s a good idea. Have fun, you two,” Dad says.

Huh?

“Lovely. I’m in your hands.” Connor slides his phone back into the side pocket of his blazer. Is my phone in there as well?

“Great,” Dad says. “You two get acquainted, and we’ll reconvene later to discuss any findings. If you two will excuse me, I have another meeting to attend.”

“Sure thing, Richard, and thank you for the opportunity.”

Richard? Already on a first-name basis?

“Mary?” Connor nudges me.

I bow my head to my father and gesture for Connor to follow me out of the office. “Please follow me.”

The second the door closes, I round on him.

“Alright, fun’s over. Give me back my phone and tell me what the hell you’re playing at.”

“Come now. Is that any way to treat your father’s esteemed new security consultant?”

Esteemed?

“Cut the act. You broke in here yesterday, violated my privacy, and now you waltz in here like you own the place, and yesterday didn’t happen?”

“I prefer to call it, tested your security measures and identified areas for improvement.” He steps closer, his voice lowering. “As for last night, we can continue where we left off if that’s why you’re so mad?”

That would be… I step back, flustered. “Stay away from me. One arm’s length. Like this.” I hold out my arm, flailing it around.

He chuckles.

“I don’t know what kind of scam you’re running, but it won’t work,” I say.

“No scam. Your father hired me. As for us…” His eyes drift down my body slowly. “The offer still stands. If you ever want to… go further, I’m around.”

“You—”

“Now, I believe you offered a tour?” He gestures down the hallway. “After you, Miss Wempton.”

The sooner I show him around, the sooner he’ll be out of my hair.

Fuming, I turn on my heel and stalk off, his low chuckle following me. I swear, I’ll wipe that infuriating smirk off his face if it’s the last thing I do.

I lead Connor through the lobby, pointing out various offices and conference rooms. He follows a step behind, nodding as I explain our operations.

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