Page 65 of Third Time’s a Charm

After I’ve read the file, skimming over the worst of it because nobody needs that level of detail, I call Edward.

“Someone needs to invent brain bleach.” Edward rarely wastes time on polite greetings.

“Agreed. What a disgusting read. I can’t believe I didn’t see they might be covering for each other.” I put him on speaker and tip my head back against the sofa, rubbing my eyes with the heels of my hands.

“It’s not always easy for people of principle to see what those without them might do.” Edward consoles me. He’s right. But I’ve known Tate long enough that I should have at least had a suspicion.

“Should I be worried about Tate finding out we have the files?”

“I don’t think so. Tate burnt a couple of bridges in HR. Surprise, surprise. I think my source will keep it to himself.” It’s classic Edward to protect his source. As I said, he’d make a great MI5 agent, or maybe a reporter at The Washington Post. “So, are you thinking this gives us what we need for a Plan B?”

“Well, I doubt Tate will green-light the plan no matter how good it is. Clearly there’s more to closing the Australian office than poor fiscal performance. Shutting it down will effectively ensure none of this stuff ever comes to light. At least we now know why the company isn’t profitable. Some of the payoffs they’ve buried in the books have been huge.”

“Hmm. Rumour has it Tate’s wife has hired a very curious divorce lawyer. Coincidence?”

I huff out a laugh. “I doubt it. The fact that Tate’s fingerprints are all over this—the payoffs, the NDAs, the unexplained promotions and transfers? He needs it all to go away before his wife finds it. Which explains the urgency. Either way, I’m done. I don’t want to work for people like this. And I certainly don’t want Louise working with these guys. So yes, they’ve given us exactly what we need for Plan B.”

Using the information we now have might give me a serious case of disgust, but I’ll do what I need to for Louise.

These files were hidden, but Tate should have realised nothing stays that way forever, and we just found the leverage we need.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Louise

As usual at this time of the morning, the lift in our building is an all-stops affair. So I have plenty of time to overthink how the day might play out.

I don’t quite know how to feel. On the one hand, the very last place I want to be today is in the office. I want to be rolling around in bed with Jasper. Maybe grabbing lunch at a local café. Then rolling around some more.

On the other, I’m excited to hopefully get started on putting my proposal in place, because based on our conversation in the car yesterday, I’m pretty sure Jasper is on board. I’m also terrified that everyone will take one look at my face and realise what’s been going on between us.

Because I’m not sure I’ll be able to hide my emotions. The intensity and speed of our connection surprised even me, although I guess it shouldn’t have. It’s corny and trite, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. And I just want to luxuriate in the joy of it. Even if there is a tiny part of me ringing alarm bells that this is potentially serious relationship number three, which can’t bode well.

I surprised even myself at the way I opened up to Jasper on our last night away. I told him things I’ve never told another living soul. And I felt entirely safe doing it. I have no doubt I can trust Jasper. All we need to work out is how we navigate a relationship without it affecting our careers.

A conundrum, for sure. But one worth working through.

All that said, he was a little off when he dropped me home and changed our plans for the evening. Which is probably nothing more than disappointment at the trip being over. And dread at the amount of work he probably faces now.

I straighten my jacket and arrange my mouth into a bland smile as the lift glides to a stop and the doors open.

“Ooh, good. You’re back. You won’t believe what you’ve missed,” Jodie screeches as soon as she spots me. “Such big goss.”

I’m never entirely comfortable in the towering heels required for the office, especially after nearly two weeks in farm boots, and my steps falter. I can only hope the gossip isn’t about Jasper and me. Typically, he’s an early starter, so maybe he’s already here. Maybe he let something slip. I stumble to the reception desk and prop myself up.

“What’ve I missed?” I raise my eyebrows, but she needs no encouragement from me to spill the story.

“Tate Brown’s here. From London. He arrived yesterday.”

“Tate Brown?” I’m more than a little surprised. Jasper didn’t mention he was visiting, and surely he must have known.

“Yes. You know, the big kahuna.” She grins. “And let me tell you, he can show me his kahuna any time.” Jodie shakes her hand, blowing on the ends of her fingertips as though they’ve been burnt.

“He … his … what?”

I don’t know why, but the fact that the chief executive officer—of the worldwide company—has arrived, apparently unannounced, sends a chill up my spine.

“He’s sooo hot. In a silver fox kind of way. And so nice. Not like Mr Jasper McScowly-Jones.” Which is what Jasper’s nickname of McSexy morphed into when it was decided by most of the office that he was antisocial and demanding.