Chapter 20 Morgan
Morgan
Monday morning arrived with a sense of purpose that had been missing from Morgan’s life since her suspension from Vertex.
She stood in front of the mirror in Archer’s bathroom, applying her makeup with careful strokes.
The woman staring back at her seemed different somehow—more confident, more determined than the person who had stumbled upon her previous boyfriend’s infidelity just ten days ago.
It seemed impossible that her life could change so dramatically in such a short time.
“Meeting with Alexandra at nine?” Archer’s modulated voice came through the bathroom door.
“Yes,” Morgan called back, applying a final coat of mascara. “I should leave in about twenty minutes to make it downtown in time.”
“I’ve arranged a car for you.”
Morgan opened the door to find Archer standing there in his customary helmet and what appeared to be a perfectly tailored business suit.
The contrast between the formal attire and the motorcycle helmet should have looked ridiculous, but somehow he made her want to hold him hostage and peel off every layer.
“You don’t have to do that,” she said, though the offer was tempting. “I can take a taxi.”
“I insist.” Something in his tone suggested this wasn’t merely about convenience. “After what happened at your apartment... I’d feel better knowing you’re with a trusted driver.”
The concern in his voice touched her. “Okay. Thank you.”
Archer reached out, his hand gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Good luck today. Alexandra is the best at what she does. If anyone can sort this mess out, it’s her.”
“I hope so.” Morgan leaned into his touch, still marveling at how natural their physical connection felt despite the barrier of his helmet. “I just want my name cleared so I can move forward, whatever that looks like.”
“It will happen,” he said with such certainty that Morgan almost believed him. “Sooner than you think.”
Forty minutes later, Morgan sat in Alexandra Winters’ elegant office, hands wrapped around a cup of coffee that probably cost more than her entire breakfast budget for the week.
“The injunction was successful,” Alexandra explained, sliding a document across her imposing desk. “Vertex cannot destroy or alter any financial records relating to the accounts you identified.”
“That’s good news,” Morgan said, picking up the paper with careful fingers. “What about my suspension?”
“We’ve sent a formal letter demanding your reinstatement with back pay and a formal apology.” Alexandra’s perfectly manicured nails tapped against her tablet. “But I should prepare you—they’re likely stalling because of the acquisition.”
Morgan looked up sharply. "The acquisition? Has something been finalized?"
"Not yet, but my sources indicate Sullivan Enterprises will complete their purchase by Thursday. Major corporate decisions, including personnel matters, are typically deferred during transitions like this."
"So I just... wait?" The frustration in Morgan's voice was impossible to hide.
Alexandra leaned forward slightly. "Not exactly. I've been in contact with Sullivan's legal team. They're very interested in the evidence we've gathered about financial irregularities at Vertex."
"They are?" Morgan's pulse quickened. "Why would they care about my situation specifically?"
"Because they're conducting their own forensic audit as part of due diligence.
Our evidence could expedite their process.
" Alexandra paused, her expression thoughtful.
"Their CFO, Marcus Donovan, has been particularly interested in the financial documentation.
He's requested copies of everything we've gathered.
Unusual for someone at his level to be so hands-on. "
"I see," Morgan said, though she wasn't sure why a high-level executive would take such interest in the details of a relatively small acquisition.
“In fact, they’ve requested a meeting with you.”
“With me? When?”
“Thursday morning. The Sullivan team will be at Vertex to finalize the acquisition, and they’d like to speak with you directly about what you’ve observed.”
Morgan’s mind raced. This could be her opportunity to clear her name completely. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent.” Alexandra made a note on her tablet. “In the meantime, keep documenting anything you remember about the accounts Richard handled. Even small details could be significant.”
As Morgan left the law offices, she felt simultaneously lighter and more burdened. Progress was being made, but the waiting—coupled with the lingering unease about her apartment—left her restless.
The driver Archer had arranged was waiting patiently, opening the car door as she approached. “Where to, Ms. Reeves?”
Morgan checked her watch. Almost eleven-thirty. “Café Meridian on 7th, please. I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”
Morgan arrived at their usual café fifteen minutes early, needing the familiar comfort of routine after the weekend’s rollercoaster. Between the intimacy with Archer, the break-in at her apartment, and now staying at his penthouse, she craved something normal—like lunch with Tessa.
She secured their favorite corner table and ordered a sparkling water while waiting. Deliberately not thinking about work or the break-in, her mind latched onto the invitation from yesterday about the conservation charity dinner on Friday night.
As they had finished up breakfast that morning, Archer had reminded her. “A dress will be delivered on Friday,” he’d said. “My friend has excellent taste, as you know.”
She couldn’t help but wonder if by Friday he’d be comfortable enough to remove their final obstacle and share himself fully, face and all or if he’d be planning on attending the gala wearing his disguise.
The thought made her chuckle to herself.
Hearing the bell on the restaurant’s door, Morgan looked up, “Tessa Wright, looking fabulous as always,” She called out as her friend swept into the café, turning heads in her perfectly tailored pantsuit.
Tessa slid into the chair across from her with a dramatic sigh. “Tell that to my boss who still can’t remember my name after three fucking years.” She studied Morgan’s face with sudden intensity. “You look different. Glowing, even. Please tell me it’s because Helmet Man is actually a sex god.”
Morgan nearly choked on her water. “Tessa!”
“What? It’s a legitimate question. The mysterious ones are either spectacular in bed or compensating for something. So which is it?”
Despite herself, Morgan blushed. “Let’s just say I have no complaints.”
“I knew it!” Tessa’s triumphant grin faded into something more serious. “But that’s not all that’s happened, is it? You’ve got that look.”
Morgan hesitated, then filled Tessa in on the break-in, carefully navigating around certain details about Archer that weren’t hers to share.
“Someone dressed like him broke in?” Tessa’s expression shifted from shock to suspicion. “That’s beyond creepy. Are you sure it wasn’t—”
“It wasn’t Archer,” Morgan stated firmly. “He was with me the entire day.”
Tessa held up her hands in surrender. “Had to ask. This whole situation is bizarre, Morgan. First you get framed for fraud, then someone breaks into your apartment dressed like your mysterious and wealthy boyfriend..."
“Wait, how do you know he’s wealthy?”
“Did I say wealthy?” Her comically shocked face was a clear indicator she’d done something she shouldn’t have.
“Did you have your contacts find out who Archer is?” She should have been annoyed, but she knew it was out of love. Tessa was always looking out for others.
“I wouldn’t say that, but if I did, I’d definitely approve.”
“Tessa! You’re unbelievable!”
“I’m not saying anything, you keep your mystery until he decides to share, my lips are sealed.”
Morgan shook her head, wishing she was angry, but knowing it was futile when it came to Tessa, she always got what she wanted, but Tessa would keep it a secret if that was what she wanted, and even though another person knew who Archer really was, her love could survive the wait.
“Speaking of bizarre situations,” Tessa switched topics, lowering her voice, “Jason has been blowing up my phone all weekend.”
Morgan froze. “Jason? Why would he contact you?”
“Apparently, he’s desperate to talk to you since you blocked his number. Claims he’s been ‘misunderstood’ and needs to explain himself.” Tessa rolled her eyes dramatically. “He’s shown up at my apartment twice, even bringing flowers the second time. It was pathetic.”
“What exactly did he say?” Morgan asked, a strange feeling settling in her stomach.
“That’s the weird part. He kept saying he was pressured into behaving that way with you.
That someone threatened his job if he didn’t keep some wealthy client happy.
” Tessa leaned forward. “He actually claimed that one of the higher ups forced him to woo that woman in the restaurant or he’d lose his job. ” She scoffed, “Yeah right!”
Morgan’s thoughts raced, connections forming that she didn’t want to acknowledge. “Did he say who supposedly threatened him?”
“Some higher-up at his company. I didn’t ask for details because, frankly, I don’t believe him. Classic narcissist move—blame anyone but yourself.” Tessa took a sip of her water. “Though he did seem genuine in wanting to apologize. Men! Never know what a good thing they have till it’s gone!”
The waiter arrived with their lunch order she’d placed for them both, giving Morgan a moment to process this information. Jason claimed he was pressured to keep some other woman entertained. Someone threatened his job. A break-in by someone dressed like Archer.
“You’ve gone quiet,” Tessa observed. “You don’t actually believe the rat, do you?”
“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” Morgan admitted. “Everything’s happening so fast—the suspension, meeting Archer, now this..."
“Speaking of your caped crusader, is it getting serious? You’ve been seeing him, what, a week now?”