Audience of Fifty

"Your... first date?" Victoria stammered, looking between them.

She knew the strict distance Jude Lawson always kept with his staff. The thought that he had broken that rule with his top executive caught her completely off guard.

Jude adjusted his cuffs. "That's right, Victoria. Harper and I settled our business boundaries yesterday evening. We're here together tonight."

Victoria felt heat rush to her face. For a fleeting second during the confrontation with Cameron Hayes, she had hoped Jude was stepping in because he cared about her.

Pulling herself together, she forced a smile and offered her hand.

"Then I apologize for holding you up, President Harper. I hope you both enjoy your evening at the Sovereign Club."

Harper took her hand. "Thank you, Victoria."

"We're on a tight schedule," Jude said, giving Victoria a brief nod. "Make sure Hayes doesn't reach out to you again. If his firm pushes back, send the records straight to Ghost."