One Night Stand With My Ex's Uncle

Anna

I drummed my fingers against my desk, reviewing Rachel’s latest intel on the Phoenix Project leak. It was worse than I thought.

"The access logs point to someone with direct entry to Trevor’s system," Rachel said grimly. "It’s an inside job."

I sighed, massaging my temples. Trevor was brilliant in research but always lacking in management instincts. That made him easy to manipulate maybe even sabotage.

My phone buzzed. William Murphy flashed across the screen.

"Anna, my dear," came his smooth, familiar voice. "Join us for dinner tonight? I’ve had some exceptional bluefin tuna flown in."

Before I could invent a polite excuse, he added, "Marcus will be here too. He specifically asked if you were coming."

That made me pause.

"I’d be delighted," I said smoothly. "Should I bring anything?"

"Just yourself, dear."

Still, I arrived at Murphy Estate with a carefully chosen artisan vase. No matter what the host says, one should never come empty handed. To my surprise, Marcus was already there, lounging in the garden, effortlessly elegant.

"Following the scent of bluefin tuna?" I teased.