“This isn’t personal,” I told her.

“Yes, it is.” She sighed. “The company is the mark that Dad left on Chicago, and that means something to me. You’re trying to erase the last piece of him I have left.”

Her words were a punch in the gut. I shot to my feet, my jaw clenched in anger. “Why would I want to do that? Your father was the only man who ever believed in me. Your brother is the one harming Frank’s reputation. In my hands, the company could become the success it used to be.”

“It could still be successful if not for you stealing our clients,” she retorted.

“Stealing them?” I snorted in disbelief. “They come looking for me when Tom lets them down.”

“You’re unbelievable.” She shook her head. “I should never have come here.” She started toward the exit. I followed close behind. “You seriously don’t have to walk me out. I’m leaving.”

“Consider it me being a gentleman.” Even if that were far from the truth. If Willow thought there was something in this building she could use to save Lennox Securities, I had no doubt she would.

I accompanied her to the elevator. She huffed in displeasure as I got into the box with her and pushed the button for the ground floor.

“You’re not how I remember,” she said as we moved downward.

“Neither are you,” I replied. “How are you getting home?”

She rolled her eyes. “Seriously? I broke into your office and you’re worried about making sure I get home safely?”

I shrugged. “Dangers of the job.”

“I’m walking.”

“Oh?” I’d never have imagined the Lennox princess walking anywhere. “Is your place nearby?”

Her gaze skittered away. “Not too far.”

My eyes narrowed. I didn’t like the way she’d answered. “I’ll have my driver take you home.”

“Absolutely not. You’re being ridiculous.”

I counted to five in my head and wondered what I’d done to deserve being stuck with this stubborn woman, even if it were temporary. “Accept the ride. Consider it me making sure you don’t come back.”

I could tell from the glint in her eye that she wanted to push me. “How do I know your driver isn’t going to stuff me in the trunk?”

“I guess you’ll have to trust me.”

“Ha.” But she didn’t argue again. I dialed my personal driver’s number and summoned him. “You’re so used to getting your own way.”

“Willow,” I warned, and I could see all the smartass replies she wanted to make flash through her mind, but she wisely stayed quiet.

The elevator reached the ground floor, and we disembarked. I escorted her to the street, where my car was idling by the curb, and watched to make sure she got inside before returning to the office. As I did, I smiled to myself. Willow Lennox was unexpected, and I liked it.

Chapter Two

Willow

I scowled as the driver escorted me into my apartment building. “This really isn’t necessary.”