Chapter 183
He knew Reese didn’t want anyone to know about them. Even though it stung, he wasn’t going to push her. All he could do was play along. “Yeah, we met when we worked on a project before. Ms. Meyer’s very capable.”
But his words were polite only on the surface. Sebastian’s eyes were sharp and possessive, sending a clear warning.
Wade felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at his coworker, who could only give him a helpless, sympathetic look. With the way Mr. Ratcliff was acting, it was obvious he and Reese weren’t just colleagues. Anyone could tell he was interested in her.
Nobody dared to ask more. Instead, the way people looked at Sebastian and Reese turned even more suggestive, full of curiosity and unspoken questions.
Reese noticed the tension instantly when Sebastian walked in. She shot him a death glare, telling him to stay out of it, then turned back to the person who’d asked her a question earlier.
Sebastian just watched her, the corners of his mouth hinting at a smile.
So this is what she’s like when she’s focused. He could see how much she loved her work with artificial intelligence. Regret crept in. If only he’d tried to get to know her better when they first got married. If only he hadn’t tried to keep her from working, or if he’d agreed when his father suggested she join Ratcliff Global’s research team. Maybe things wouldn’t have ended up like this.
Across the room, Neal watched everything unfold. He couldn’t help leaning over to whisper to Leslie, “You think Sebastian’s actually fallen for Reese? He’s acting so possessive.”
Leslie’s face went stiff, her fake smile not fooling anyone. She didn’t answer.
Neal didn’t seem to care. He noticed people glancing their way, so he lifted his arm, inviting Leslie to link hers with his. “Come on, let’s stop standing here like props. We should go say hi to the hosts.”
Leslie moved like a robot, curling her arm through his, but her eyes stayed fixed on Sebastian. She just couldn’t look away.
That’s when the gossip from nearby started drifting over.
“So Leslie isn’t Mr. Ratcliff’s date, huh? I figured he was seeing someone new.”
“I knew it. Like he’d ever want someone mixed up in a data leak.”
“I heard Big X is under investigation by Homeland Security. Leslie’s į
charge over there. Bet things hét
rough for her right now.”
“Seriously, if there wasn’t a problem, security agents wouldn’t be all over them. Maybe she was behind the BlackOak leak too.”
Every word stabbed at Leslie, making her already lousy mood even worse. She didn’t have it in her to make small talk anymore. Chapters fırst released on.net
She muttered, “I’m going to the restroom,” to Neal, then slipped out of his grasp and hurried over to the lounge area in the corner, desperate for a little peace.
She’d just sat down, barely able to catch her breath, when she felt two pairs of eyes on her. Looking up, she saw Dylon and Rosie walking over, both of them wearing these knowing, almost cheeky smiles.
“Leslie, I’m Reese’s uncle. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Do you have a moment? Maybe we’ll get to work together someday.”