Page 100 of The CEO

When we finally break apart, both slightly breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “What was that for?”

“For watching me work with that look on your face,” she says, a knowing smile playing at her lips. “Like I’m one of your rare orchids that’s just bloomed unexpectedly.”

I laugh softly, struck again by her perception. “An apt comparison. Though you’re far more dangerous than any plant in my collection.”

“And don’t you forget it,” she teases, leading me toward the door. “Now feed me before I turn that danger in your direction.”

Following her from the room, I’m struck anew by the transformation in my life since she entered it fully. The control I once clutched so tightly has loosened, making room for a partnership that strengthens rather than diminishes my power. The isolation I accepted as necessary has given way to connection I never thought possible.

She has changed everything. And unlike the changes I’ve orchestrated throughout my life, these I welcome without calculation or reservation.

“The Milwaukee operation is proceeding exactly as planned,” she mentions as we walk toward the dining room. “TheTribunewill run my initial piece on Friday, laying the groundwork for the full exposé next week.”

I nod, appreciating as always the seamless way she balances her public work with our shadow operations. “The timing aligns with The Vigilante’s surveillance schedule. We’ll have operatives in position two days before your story breaks.”

“Perfect. Brian’s given me additional resources at the paper: two research assistants and priority access to the legal team.”

“The publisher was amenable?” I ask, though I already know the answer. Certain financial arrangements had been made to ensure her continued rise within theTribune’shierarchy.

“More than amenable. Enthusiastic.” She smiles, that sharp edge of ambition visible beneath a yawn she tries to stifle. “He mentioned potential industry recognition if this series develops as expected.”

“A Pulitzer would provide excellent cover for expanded operations,” I observe, already calculating the opportunities that would emerge from her increased public profile.

She laughs. “Always thinking ten steps ahead, aren’t you? I haven’t even published the full series yet. Maybe he’ll throw in an Oscar too and get me a movie deal.”

“Forward planning is a necessity.” I kiss the top of her head as I pull out her chair at the table.

“At tomorrow’s presentation to the council,” she says, returning to our earlier topic, “I’ll focus on the evidence linking the three targets, but I want to emphasize the systemic nature of the corruption. This isn’t about individuals—it’s about interwoven systems that protect predators.”

I nod, understanding her approach. This perspective of looking beyond immediate targets to the structures that enable them represents her unique contribution to our operations.

“After the council meeting, I need to finalize the draft for Brian,” she continues. “The initial piece sets the stage without revealing our full hand. Just enough to prompt preliminary reactions from the targets . . .”

“. . . allowing us to observe who panics, who destroys evidence, who reaches out to connections,” I complete her thought, our strategic thinking once again perfectly aligned. “Revealing useful patterns before the main operation.”

Eve nods, taking a sip of wine. “Exactly. The pharmaceutical company’s board members have already scheduled an emergency meeting in response to preliminary inquiries from my research team.”

“The Raven has the company’s communication network compromised,” I inform her. “We’ll have real-time access to their discussions.”

Our dinner continues with this comfortable exchange of information and strategy, the conversation flowing between professional planning and our day-to-day lives. It feels easy and natural the way our lives have so seamlessly become one.

“I should review my notes once more before tomorrow,” Eve says as we leave the dining room, the ruby on her finger catching the light as she gestures toward the study.

“Of course.” I press a kiss to her temple, respecting her need for preparation. “I have matters to discuss with Foster regarding the security protocols for next week’s operation.”

She smiles, understanding the careful ballet of our shared responsibilities. “I’ll find you later.”

As she turns and walks away, I watch her for a moment . . . this remarkable woman who has transformed my existence from isolated power to shared purpose. The ring on her finger represents more than a conventional engagement. It symbolizes the complete integration of our lives, our ambitions, and our vision for justice delivered without compromise.

Eve Thorne. Soon to be Eve Knox. My partner in all things—from the shadows we navigate together to the public faces we present to the world.

Chapter19

Eve

The cursor blinks on my screen, waiting for the next sentence in what might be the most important article of my career. I’ve earned a corner space now, with half-walls that provide some privacy without completely isolating me from the energy of the room. The persistent clicking of keyboards and murmured phone conversations create a familiar backdrop to my thoughts as I carefully craft each word.

“Alleged connections between Archer Global Investments and overseas labor practices remained unexamined until financial records obtained by theTribunerevealed a pattern of shell companies operating in regions with documented human trafficking concerns.”

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