PROTECT MY HEART

3: THE

E'S

the most multi-million competitive Tech. investment firms in Spai

were unreliable variables occur, I

a Thursday afternoon, the spring light castin

and stunning in a way that

uit that mirrored her confidence, and when she spok

leaned in except me. Or at le

oice smooth but cold. "Glad

lied, with a smiled

stured, for the m

ions on cross-mergers and

itative. But under the table, my foot bounced. I though

m a partnering firm. She was radiant, sharp,

how her laugh, low and genuine kept re

ng I haven't done since business sch

desk outside my office. "I need you to get me a

everyone who steps through th

ng my temple. "Just..., thi

at longer. "What's th

With two z's

woman from the Dauko

." I

dels and billionaires alike with a nod and a yawn. Bu

ned to her keyboard. "I'll

office, with a folder in hand and a

eed to talk

emails and spreadsheets. "Y

he folder onto my desk. "But th

ate. Former CFO of a Fin-Tech startup in Spain. Imp

gaged," C

rder than expect

sn't jealousy, I had no right to feel that. It

whispered to myself. "A

sedly launching some AI company. But his past, is murky. He's been linked to two companies that vanis

zz doesn't know?"

meeting, ring on her finger. Her friends are suspicious, but he's charming, classic

essing. "He's us

ssed. Over thirty million in diversified assets. Kalix has a history of s

man in me was something else, c

said finally. "Make it look lik

yes. "What are you p

an eye on an inves

a woman."

n't r

..........

coffee under the guise of a follo

its friendly staff, strong coffee, and delici

31 again?" she asked, sipping

," I

t was the last

tions, the ring on her finger she never mentioned unless promp

ut him," I s

owed. "Excuse

gently. "Your fiancé. W

off-guard. "Why do

k about him mu

t relevant to bu

with quiet sincerity, "May

Something unspoken hung

ventually. "Exciting. A little

. "Do you trust

reach her eyes. "That's a

y world."

interrogate your colleagues abou

k someone's being

ir like gunpowder. Lizz

instantly. Too

ayed. Her expression shifted from

know?" she wh

d been crossed. There