Page 18 of Money Reigns

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His smile deepens. “Cool. I’ll see you then.”

He nods, gives me that charming half-grin that makes my stomach twist for a whole different reason, then unlocks his door and disappears inside.

I finally find my key, slip inside my apartment, and close the door with a soft click. The quiet hits me all at once.

I drop my bag, lean back against the door, and exhale.

Lunch.

It’s just lunch.

Right?

***

By the time my phone buzzes, the morning is already gone. Work with Wesley is smooth, rhythmic, I’ve started to find a groove that makes the hours pass without friction.

I blink down at the message:

Broderick

You still down for lunch? Floor 40. Come hungry.

Floor 40?

My stomach dips a little. Isn’t that…?

I press the elevator button and try not to overthink it. Lunch. It’sjustlunch.

But when the doors open on floor 40, the air changes.

Literally, it’s colder up here. Sleeker. More expensive. The floors are marble, not tile or linoleum. The walls are glass. It feels less like an office building and more like a throne room.

Wesley’s domain is comfortable.This?

This is Warren Beaumont’s.

I step out, heels clicking, trying to walk with purpose as I make my way toward Brody’s office. I remind myself he invited me. That this is normal. I’m allowed to be here.

But that sensation creeps in again.

Eyes.

Watching.

Burning.

I slow, my gaze drifting, against my better judgment, toward the darkened doorway halfway down the hall.

Warren Beaumont stands there, one hand on the doorframe, his posture deceptively relaxed.But his stare?

Sharp. Calculated. Assessing.

He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t move.

Just watches.

I lift my chin slightly and nod;polite, professional,but he doesn’t return it.

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