Art of Seduction

ng collapse of his company. Stocks plummeted, and part

als," Jacob barked at his

e replied, hur

r a second turned to Sharon, his wife, at home. Her g

e. "What's most important now is s

on. "Sir, the numbers are not looking good. W

Summon the board. We ne

she said, ex

o will put him on Sharon's bad side again, but he'd make

ialed Sharon's number. Voicemail picked up

you tonight, but it'll have to wait. Bear with me, and I'll make

number, his expression d

tuation that requires your attention. Don't delay; this is priority

k, anger simmering beneath the surfa

nson account numbers.

r flared, hi

n? I thought we

Johnsons are talking to Russel

narrowed, his

ell's number

ow

he door as if seeking escape. "Jacob, I don't think co

et me the number, now. Or do you want t

ropping. "Okay, okay. I'll get it." She

th strategies to destroy Russell and the Johnsons. Ho

a paper with the number. "Be caref

ng the number. Russell's smooth

, venom in his voice. "I hear you're

you're predictable. Of course, I'm after the

You're making a grave mistake, Russel

ng, Jacob. Meet me at midnight at th

seething. He took a deep breath, k

ob ordered his assistant. "Secrets,

ed, fearful. "Yes,

estruction. Only one man would emerge vict

rom room to room, her mind still entranced by Russell's captivating presence

r him, hard," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks fl

made her feel – seen, heard, and understood – that truly drew her in.

e gallery. Russell's attentive listening, infectious laughter, and pierci

o shake off the daydream. "You're committed to Jacob."

erself about her desires? The

phone buzzed with a text from Jacob. His

g late tonight. Do

nt. The contrast between Jacob's detached tone and Russell'

appointment and relief intertwining. She wasn't ready to

pulse quickening with each passing minute. She knew the risks of

th possibilities. Betraying Jacob weighed heavily on he

e silence. Russell's name flashed on the s

ut you," his message read. "Want to grab co

she shouldn't encourage this, but her

t trembling through her. "But we ha

on't worry, my dear. Our secret is

e felt a thrill of excitement mixed wit