Chapter 20: Double Life
365words
"Mrs. Thompson's strategy would increase quarterly profits by seventeen percent," the CFO acknowledged. "I move we implement immediately."
As the meeting adjourned, Jack squeezed my hand beneath the table—a private gesture of pride.
Later, in Jack's office, I paced excitedly. "Did you see their faces? They actually listened to me."
"Of course they did. Your strategy was brilliant."
I paused, a shadow crossing my features. "I used Michael's own tactics against him. The same predatory acquisition approach he's famous for."
Jack studied my troubled expression. "Does that bother you?"
"What if I'm becoming like him?" I asked quietly. "Using people as pawns, manipulating situations for personal gain…"
He crossed the room, taking my hands in his. "The difference is intent. Davis destroys lives for profit and ego. You're fighting to save a company and its employees."
I wasn't entirely convinced. "Power changes people. I feel it happening—how easy it would be to cross lines."
"The fact that you're worried about it means you won't become him," Jack said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture, so tender and unplanned, made my breath catch.
Our eyes locked, the air between us charged with unspoken feelings. For a moment, it seemed he might kiss me again. Instead, his assistant's voice came through the intercom, announcing Michael Davis's arrival.
"Game faces on," Jack murmured, though his eyes lingered on my lips a moment too long.
That night, I stared at my reflection, searching for traces of Rachel Williams beneath Zoe Thompson's confident exterior. Both women seemed like strangers now—masks I had worn rather than people I had been.
As I turned away from the mirror, I found Jack watching me from the doorway.
"You looked lost in thought," he said quietly.
"Just trying to figure out who I am now," I admitted. "Not Rachel. Not fully Zoe either."
He moved closer, his expression serious. "Whoever you are, I—"
His phone rang, shattering the moment. Business called, as always. But the look that passed between us promised our conversation wasn't over.
