“Cashwhat?” He stared at me like I’d started speaking another language.
“Okay, Venmo or PayPal then.” I pulled out a pen. “I’m not using a bank account right now—too many fees for low balances, and then certain companies always hit me with late penalties, you know?”
He gave me a blank stare.
“I have the same username for each one.” I reached for the pad. “I’m sure your person can figure it out.”
Shaking his head, he pulled out his phone and held it up to his ear.
“I need you to set up a bank account for a new employee today,” he said. “Can you also walk her through using one likea real adultbefore I make a significant deposit? Thank you.”
After hanging up, he stood and extended his hand to me.
“He’s on his way up to help you, and then one of my drivers will take you home,” he said. “I’ll call you when I’m ready for you to start.”
“I didn’t give you my phone number yet.”
“You didn’t need to,” he said, and a jolt of heat rushed through my body as his hand touched mine.
He slowly stepped back, his gaze dragging over me one last time before he finally turned away.
My heart raced in anticipation of getting paid, and minutes later one of his henchmen arrived with a briefcase.
“This won’t take longer than twenty minutes, Miss.” He smiled at me. “Let’s get this handled, shall we?”
THE AGENT
CHLOE
Later that evening
If the past eighty hours didn’t turn out to be a twisted fever dream, I was one of the luckiest girls on this planet.
No,theluckiest girl on this planet.
Point blank. Period.
I’d never been able to save more than one thousand dollars at a time, and I couldn’t fathom seeing Mr. Hudson’s offer sitting in an account just for me.
A million freakin’ dollars…
“We’ve arrived at your residence, Miss Sterling.” The driver’s voice interrupted my thoughts, and I realized he was holding the back door wide open.
“Thank you.” I grabbed my things, double-checking to make sure my new bank account card was still tucked in my purse. Then I took the driver’s hand and stepped out.
“Can I ask you something about Mr. Hudson?” I looked at him.
“As long as you don’t expect an answer.”
“That’s literally the entire point of a question.” I shook my head. “It’s nothing deep, I swear. Is he easy to work for? Nice?”
He smiled and shut the back door. “Do you need any further assistance from me?”
“So, he really is a tyrant and all the whispers about him being ruthless to everyone are true?”
“Have a good night, Miss Sterling,” he said. “I wish you the best.”
“Blink twice for yes and once for no,” I begged. “Is he a terrible boss?”