Page 40 of Hitched to My Enemy
"Investigator Clarke, a moment."
Camilla intercepted me as I gathered my materials. The room had emptied, commissioners and observers filtering out with varying degrees of satisfaction or disappointment.
"Impressive performance," she remarked, securing the door. "You transformed what should have been career immolation into a methodology review."
"I presented the facts, Camilla. The evidence speaks for itself."
"Indeed." Her appraisal carried newfound respect. "Which explains the commission's proposal. They want you to develop formal guidelines for this 'collaborative oversight' approach—a standardized methodology for potential division-wide implementation."
Surprise momentarily silenced me. "They want to adopt the model?"
"The governor's office is particularly interested. 'Business-friendly regulation' creates compelling campaign rhetoric." She extended a folder. "The Jade Petal's final licensing approval. Signed and expedited."
I accepted the document, feeling its significance—not merely for Easton, but for regulatory innovation itself.
"Thank you."
Camilla tilted her head, genuine curiosity animating her question. "Was it worth it, Harlow? Risking everything you've constructed for him?"
The question deserved candor. "Yes. He's worth it."
A knowing smile played across her lips. "Then congratulations are appropriate. Professionally and personally."
As she departed, an unusual sense of resolution settled over me. The division between my professional and personal identities—a boundary I'd guarded relentlessly—had finally dissolved. Strangely, I felt more authentic than I had in years.
My momentary tranquility shattered as Enzo Ricci materialized in the doorway, earlier composure replaced by barely restrained fury.
"Savoring your victory, Investigator? Or should I say, Mrs. Hardwick?"
I straightened, securing the approval documents in my briefcase. "The commission made their determination based on evidence, Mr. Ricci. The system functioned properly."
"Don't be naive." He advanced, voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "This was never about regulatory compliance. Easton Hardwick stole something irreplaceable from me years ago. I'm merely reciprocating."
His personal vendetta explained the ferocity of his pursuit. "What exactly did he take?"
A bitter laugh escaped him. "Ask your husband about Meridian Properties. About the development deal that destroyed my family's legacy and launched his first venture. Ask him what he'll sacrifice to win."
"Whatever transpired between you is history," I replied, moving toward the exit. "Your attempt to sabotage the JadePetal failed. Perhaps focus on your own operations rather than cultivating vendettas."
His hand captured my arm. "He'll annihilate your career without hesitation when he's finished with you. Just as he did to others who trusted him."
I removed his hand deliberately. "You don't know him as I do. And you certainly don't know me if you believe vague accusations will manipulate me."
As I walked away, his parting words pursued me: "Everyone's manipulable, Investigator. It's merely a question of locating the right pressure point."
The threat lingered but couldn't eclipse the weight of the licensing approval in my briefcase—or the anticipation of sharing our victory. I retrieved my phone, hesitating briefly before dialing.
Easton answered immediately, tension evident. "Harlow? The verdict?"
"We succeeded," I replied, emotion coloring my voice despite my efforts. "License approved. The Jade Petal opens on schedule."
His exhale carried audible relief. "And you? Are you alright?"
The question—prioritizing my wellbeing over business outcomes—kindled something profound within me. "Better than alright. They've asked me to develop a formal collaborative oversight program based on our approach."
"That's extraordinary, Harlow. You've transformed potential catastrophe into innovation."
"We transformed it," I corrected. "Together."
