I tried to look nonchalant as I logged into my computer. I had actively encouraged Leo to invest with our company by passing him information that I shouldn’t have done and as a result, I had secured a hefty bonus, to go along with my promotion. Money wasn’t really the incentive for me – it was more about power. I had always felt that I could outsmart all of the men I worked with, Marcus included. He didn’t realize it but I had used my relationship with him to learn as much as possible about the business, with a view to one day elbowing him out of the way and taking his job. ‘What did he want?’

Marcus hesitated. ‘Well, it’s slightly awkward.’ He looked at me and I could see a slight flush spreading up his neck. The prickle of unease that I had felt when I spoke to Leo earlier intensified.

‘Go on,’ I urged, with an impatient wave of my hand.

Marcus’s eyes slid away. ‘He said he’s thinking of withdrawing his capital.’

My mouth dried slightly and I cleared my throat, playing for time. ‘Oh?’

‘Yes,’ Marcus continued. ‘Which would not be good for Norton.’

‘No,’ I agreed. ‘It wouldn’t.’

‘So, I was wondering …’ Marcus stood up and put his hands in his pockets. ‘Do you have any idea why he might be considering that?’

I shook my head slowly. ‘No. How would I know?’

‘Well, he did mention you. I may be wrong but I got the impression that you might have had some sort of … tiff.’

I wrinkled my nose in disdain. ‘Marcus, don’t be ridiculous. Leo is just a friend. We haven’t had any sort of “tiff” and whatever his reasons for threatening to withdraw his investment, I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do with me.’

‘Hmmm.’ Marcus nodded contemplatively. I could tell that he didn’t believe me for one second. He knew damn well that I had been having a relationship with Leo for months and that I must have passed him confidential information about a big merger that I knew about, in order to encourage him to invest. As if reading my mind, he added, ‘As you know, Bella, you are party to some highly confidential information, especially around the merger, and if Leo Fox invested because of anything you told him during his, ahem, “friendship” with you,’ he made imaginary speech marks with his fingers, ‘you might find yourself in a spot of trouble if you upset him.’

My heart began to pound and my mind was racing back over the various things I had told Leo. There was absolutely no doubt that I had persuaded Leo to invest by passing him details about the forthcoming merger, which would be considered insider dealing and was highly illegal.

I must have looked panicked because Marcus flashed me a reassuring smile. ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s not going to be a problem. All you have to do is keep him sweet.’