Chapter 9 Unfinished Business

Katie knew the kiss had changed everything. But she hadn't expected Justin to act like nothing had happened. The morning after, she walked into the office, expecting some kind of shift-maybe an awkward pause, a lingering glance, something.

But Justin?. He was as unreadable as ever. Seated behind his desk, reviewing financial reports, he barely spared her a glance when she walked in. "Moore's assets are frozen," he said. "The legal team is handling the paperwork for his official removal." Katie hesitated in the doorway. That was it?. No mention of last night?

She forced herself to focus. "Petrov won't be satisfied with just his money. If Moore isn't dead yet, he will be soon." Justin didn't look up. "That's not our concern anymore." Katie exhaled, stepping forward. "So that's it? We just move on?"

This time, Justin did glance at her-briefly. "That's what we do," he said simply. Katie studied him. Cool. Detached. As if their kiss hadn't been the most explosive thing to happen between them since the moment they met. She crossed her arms. "So, we're just pretending nothing happened?". His jaw tensed. "Nothing has to change," he said, his voice even.

Katie let out a humorless laugh. "Are you serious?". Justin finally set down his pen, exhaling slowly. "Katie-" "No," she interrupted. "You don't get to brush this off. Not after last night." His eyes darkened. "Last night was-" He hesitated, then sighed. "It was a mistake."

Katie felt something cold settle in her chest. "A mistake," she repeated, her voice flat. Justin ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "You know what I mean. We have too much to lose." Katie swallowed. She knew that.

But hearing him say it still stung.

"Right," she said stiffly. "Of course. Business comes first." Justin exhaled. "Katie-"

She held up a hand. "Save it, Clark. We have work to do." And just like that, they fell back into routine. But the air between them?. It was charged-and they both knew it.

The Aftermath of Moore

By noon, the news had broken-Moore had been found dead in his penthouse. A "suicide," according to the reports. Katie wasn't surprised. She sat in Justin's office, watching the news broadcast on his monitor. The headline read:

Former CFO of Clarke Enterprises Found Dead Amidst Fraud Allegations

She shook her head. "Peck moves fast." Justin's expression was unreadable. "We knew it was coming." Katie studied him. "Does it bother you?". Justin leaned back in his chair. "Should it?"

Katie shrugged. "You tell me." He was silent for a moment. Then, "Moore made his choices. He knew what he was dealing with. He just thought he was untouchable. Katie nodded slowly. He wasn't wrong. Still, something about how swiftly it had happened left her uneasy.

"You think Peck's done with us?" she asked. Justin smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Not even close." Katie sighed. "That's what I was afraid of."

A Dangerous Invitation

The confirmation came that evening. A single text message on Justin's phone: Dinner. The Red Serpent. Midnight. Don't be late. Peck. Katie glanced at the message over Edin's shoulder. "I don't like this." Justin locked his phone. "You don't have to."Katie narrowed her eyes. "You're actually going?"

Justin stood, grabbing his coat. "We don't have a choice." Katie grabbed her own coat. "Then I'm coming with you." Justin hesitated. "Katie-" She cut him off. "Don't even try to stop me."A flicker of something crossed his expression-amusement? Resignation? Maybe both.

Finally, he nodded. "Fine. But stay close." Katie smirked. "I thought you didn't worry about me."

Justin exhaled. "I didn't say that." Her breath hitched. But before she could respond, he was already heading for the door. And she had no choice but to follow.

The Red Serpent – A New Game Begins

Peck was waiting for them when they arrived. Seated in his usual booth, a glass of vodka in one hand, he looked almost amused as they approached. "Ah," he greeted. "My favorite troublemakers." Justin slid into the seat across from him. Katie followed, keeping her expression neutral. "Moore's dead," Justin said flatly.

Peck smirked. "Yes. Tragic, isn't it?" Katie clenched her jaw. The bastard was enjoying this. "What do you want, Peck?" Justin asked. Peck took a slow sip of his drink. "Now, now. No need to be rude. We're partners, after all." Katie stiffened. "We are not partners." Peck's gaze flickered to her. "Oh, but we are, Miss Valerie. I did you a favor. Now, you owe me one."

Justin's jaw tightened. "That wasn't the deal."

Peck chuckled. "Deals change, Clark. Surely you know that by now." Katie exchanged a glance with Justin. They should have seen this coming. "What do you want?" she asked warily. Peck leaned forward. "A business associate of mine is becoming... problematic. I need him removed." Justin's expression darkened. "We're not assassins."

Peck smirked. "I don't need him dead. Just... ruined." Katie exhaled. "Who is he?" Peck pulled out a folder, sliding it across the table. "Dan Chandler. CEO of Chandler Industries. He's been stepping on my toes for too long. I want him discredited. I want his company to collapse. And I want you two to make it happen." Katie hesitated. This was bigger than Moore. Chandler Industries was one of the most powerful corporations in New York. Taking them down wouldn't be easy. But Peck's gaze was expectant. Waiting. Demanding.

Justin exhaled slowly. "And if we refuse?" Peck smiled. "You won't." A chill ran down Katie's spine. She glanced at Justin, her stomach twisting. They had played the game. Now, they were trapped in it. And this time, there might not be a way out.