More Than A Favor

Chapter 79

Get 10

I stopped moving as he instructed, but my grip on Ashton tightened instinctively.

My head rested against his chest, and I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was only then that I realized how close we were, but my fear overrode any embarrassment.

Clinging to him was the only way I could steady myself, convincing my mind that it was just the elevator swaying–not me.

Eventually, the elevator stopped shaking, but I didn’t loosen my hold on Ashton until he said, “Is that your new colleague down there?”

His words snapped me back to reality. I quickly let go of him and turned to see what he was talking about.

What I saw made my blood boil. Without thinking, I pressed the button to descend.

When the elevator doors opened, Selene greeted me with her practiced, saccharine smile. “Ms. Hart,” she said sweetly.

I didn’t bother returning her pleasantries. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, my tone sharp.

I wasn’t trying to be rude, but her presence here was inappropriate, especially given her condition. She was pregnant, for heaven’s sake, and this site was far from safe–unfinished, uninspected, and closed to the public. If something happened to her, the consequences would be catastrophic.

And if that wasn’t enough, her unborn child was already fatherless. That baby deserved protection, not reckless behavior.

Her response, however, left me utterly dumbfounded.

“I’m here for work,” she said, her tone calm and unbothered.

I blinked, certain I’d misheard her. “Excuse me?”

“Mr. Logan asked me to oversee the safety checks,” she repeated, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I nearly exploded on the spot. “Logan must have lost his mind! Are you seriously telling me that he assigned you to handle safety inspections?”

My raised voice drew the attention of nearby workers. Selene wasn’t alone–she had arrived with the project manager, and both Maya and Miles were already present before her arrival.

Selene’s face twisted into an expression of mock hurt, and she replied in a soft voice, “Ms. Hart, why are you reacting this way?”

I

back, my voice rising. “Because you’re pregnant! You

I spoke, I pulled out my phone

rang for what felt like an eternity, and I started to suspect he was ignoring me on purpose. Just as was about

Hart, what’s the matter?” His tone was casual, almost indifferent.

you send Selene here?” I asked, keeping my voice as steady as

O

she tell you? Logan replied, as if it were the

world

at Selene, still looking as though butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, and asked Logan, “Do you think it’s appropriate for her to be here in her condition? Who’s going to take

of course,” Logan said

shocked I couldn’t

responsible for ensuring its

calm, but the underlying message was clear:

enough–now he’d sent Selene as well to

bitter laugh. “If someone is determined to throw themselves into danger, I can’t be

before she could respond, Logan

the only thing cruel here is my words. There’s someone else who’s far more vicious. If you’re so concerned, why don’t you remove her from the site? Or…” I looked at Miles and continued,

to oversee her safety, then I’d feel much

not as free as you seem to

and laced with self–pity. “Ms. Hart, there’s no need to be so adversarial.

smirked. “Sure, you seem perfectly capable. But what happens if the unexpected

nearby, pressed her lips together to

to assign someone to protect you. While I don’t think round–the–clock surveillance is necessary, I do think some supervision is appropriate,” I said, my

1

Vaughn are both new to the team, why don’t you accompany her as she familiarizes herself

not expecting me to involve him. “Elaine,

in the corporate hierarchy, but

been granted to me by Logan himself. I hadn’t planned to use it, but now, with the project nearing completion, I decided

was at a loss

“I don’t need a babysitter. I can ensure my own

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