‘I can’t believe he’s your father-in-law.’ Abbie’s expression was a mixture of appalled and sympathetic.

‘Me either,’ Jason said, feeling deeply embarrassed. Fenton had been up to his usual tricks when he’d seen him that first time in Abbie’s company. He’d called to collect Karla, who’d been out to a birthday lunch with Fenton. She was in the toilets when he arrived. Fenton was in reception, standing way too close to Abbie, his eyes everywhere but on her screen as he’d supposedly been checking his appointments. Jason had felt like apologising for the man that day.

‘And you’re going to be involved in some kind of business merger with him?’ she asked, her expression surprised.

‘Not a merger exactly, no.’ Kneading his temples, Jason sighed tiredly and wondered how he’d managed to find himself manipulated into a corner by Fenton. He’d tried to convince himself he was doing the right thing. The immediate benefit of Robert’s investment would be that he could inject more cash into the software issue they were struggling with, meaning he could save the contract with his major client, which would undoubtedly secure business with other interested parties. Karla had begged him to do this, though she knew he’d been determined not to. Sacrificing his principles and finally agreeing had certainly improved things on the home front. Despite the fact that things hadn’t worked out in bed last night, he and Karla had been more relaxed with each other this morning. Jason was regretting his decision now though. Coming here had reminded him why he’d wanted nothing to do with the man. But how the hell did he backtrack without telling Karla they would be basically living hand-to-mouth while he filed for bankruptcy?

‘Good luck with that. I’m glad he’s not my father-in-law,’ Abbie said, then looked sharply up, plastering a smile in place as Fenton marched out of the meeting room, leaving the female employee he’d been harassing throwing murderous glances after him.

‘Afternoon, Jason,’ he said, with a short smile. ‘Sorry about that. Sales team needed a sharp reminder of what their jobs are.’

Yeah, and you need a sharp reminder of what an obnoxious prat you are, Jason wanted to say. But he simply nodded.

‘Bring some coffee in, Abbie, would you?’ Fenton addressed her rudely. ‘And pass me Jason’s company file. It’s in the cabinet, under…’ he paused, pondering demonstratively. ‘What’s the name of your company again, Jason?’

Jason looked at him with a combination of disbelief and disdain. ‘Upwards Online,’ he supplied, as if Fenton didn’t know.

‘Ah, yes. More downwards currently, I believe.’ Fenton held his gaze for a second before looking away. ‘Bottom drawer, Abbie, please.’