Chapter 5 - Shadows of the Past
Inside Jonathan’s private office—a massive room featuring sweeping views of the harbor and a private fireplace—Jonathan poured two glasses of sparkling water.
He handed one to Maya. "You handled Victoria well."
"She hates me," Maya said, taking a small sip. "And she hates you for helping me."
"Victoria hates anything she can't control or buy," Jonathan said dryly. He walked to the window, leaning against the glass frame. "Three days is a tight deadline for the Northridge campaign. Do you need additional staff?"
"No," Maya said firmly. "I need an open room, a drawing tablet, and unlimited espresso. I’m going to redesign their entire brand identity from scratch."
Jonathan looked at her, admiration gleaming in his dark eyes. "You really aren't afraid of them, are you?"
"I used to be afraid of everything, Mr. Reeves," Maya said softly, walking over to stand near the window. "I was afraid of the dark, afraid of the police, afraid of the rain coming through the car window. Victoria Vance is just a woman in an expensive dress. She can't hurt me."
Jonathan was silent for a long moment. He looked down at her face, noticing the sharp intelligence and deep emotional warmth that radiated from her.
"Call me Jonathan," he said quietly.
"Jonathan," Maya repeated, testing the name on her tongue.
Before the moment could stretch further, Jonathan's desk phone buzzed. His secretary’s voice came over the intercom.
"Mr. Reeves, there’s an urgent call on line two. It’s the principal’s office from Bright Start Kindergarten."
Maya’s glass nearly slipped from her fingers. "Emma!"
Jonathan instantly pressed the speaker button. "This is Reeves. What happened?"
"Mr. Reeves! Miss Harper!" Mrs. Sloan’s voice came through, high-pitched with panic. "There’s a man here! He claims to be Emma’s father! He’s demanding to take her from the building!"
Maya’s face drained of all color. The glass in her hand hit the carpet, water soaking into the rug.
"Marcus," Maya whispered in horror. "Oh God, no... he found us."
May you like
Jonathan grabbed his coat off the rack in a single smooth motion. His eyes turned into cold black steel.
"Maya, stay behind me," Jonathan commanded, grabbing her arm gently as he pulled open the office door. "No one touches your daughter. No one."
