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

rising. “Because you’re pregnant! You shouldn’t even be here, let alone involved in safety inspections!”

pulled out my phone and called Logan.

he was ignoring me on purpose. Just as

Hart, what’s the matter?” His tone was

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

O

work. Didn’t she tell you? Logan replied, as if it were the most obvious thing

world

you think it’s appropriate

you, of

shocked I couldn’t

responsible for ensuring its completion, its safety, and the well–being of everyone on- site. This

underlying message was

as well to impose further

out a bitter laugh. “If someone is determined to throw themselves into

she could respond, Logan snapped, “Elaine, don’t

so concerned, why don’t you remove her from the site? Or…” I looked at Miles and

to oversee her

count on it. I’m not as free as you seem to think.” Without giving him a chance to respond, I

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

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

nearby, pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at

think round–the–clock surveillance is necessary, I do think some supervision

1

don’t you accompany her as she familiarizes herself with the site? That way, you can also ensure her

not expecting me to

superior in the corporate hierarchy, but on this project, I’m in charge. And here, I make the

authority had been granted to me by Logan himself. I hadn’t planned to use it,

a

as she muttered, “I don’t need a babysitter. I can ensure my own safety.”

2461

< Chapter 79