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

shot back, my voice rising. “Because you’re pregnant! You shouldn’t even be here, let alone involved in safety

pulled out my phone and

to suspect he was ignoring me on purpose. Just as was about to hang up,

Hart, what’s the matter?” His tone

asked,

O

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

world

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

you, of course,” Logan said nonchalantly.

couldn’t even

That means you’re responsible for ensuring its completion, its safety, and the well–being of everyone on- site. This

was calm, but the underlying message

Selene as well to impose further control over

smile and let out a bitter laugh. “If someone is determined to throw themselves into danger,

respond,

more vicious. If you’re so concerned,

aback. “If you’re volunteering to oversee her safety, then I’d feel much better

“Don’t count on it. I’m not as free as you seem to think.”

her voice soft and laced with self–pity. “Ms. Hart, there’s no need

seem perfectly capable. But

to keep from

protect you. While I don’t think round–the–clock surveillance is necessary, I do think some supervision

1

since you and Ms. Vaughn are both new to the team, why don’t you accompany her as she familiarizes herself with the site? That way,

clearly not expecting me to involve

firmly. “You may be my superior in the corporate hierarchy,

use it, but now, with the project nearing

was at a

expression darkened as she muttered, “I don’t need a babysitter. I can ensure

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