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ation That’s one hell of a major conflict of interest Worse, he’s not just your father He’s also your client You’re legally obligated to protect his interests Take a step back and view this objectively Don’t you see how irrational you’re being?”

“Yes” Sloane slaht, hating that she couldn’t get past this “The logic is all there But the way the situation was handled…I still feel used And manipulated”

“I had a snap decision to make I made it I knew you’d be furious And I felt like shit when I gave Rich the go-ahead But I couldn’t see any other way for hiet his answers and not put you in an untenable position I’m sorry for how all this makes you feel I’m sorry about your mother But I’ to be reasonable and work through this withto reerect that damned wall of yours?”

“I’ this fight I get what you’re saying But here I was, picking out fabric patterns with you, while rilling my father about Cai Wen’s murder Do you knohat a fool I feel like?”

“The redecorating part wasn’t a lie I want to make this place ours, rather than yours The only contrivance was the ti of Leo’s appointment” Derek leaned forward “Let’s face it, Sloane If you’d been the lead agent on this case, you would have followed the same procedure I did, and you know it The real issue here is that you need to be the one in control—always the cat, never the mouse Well, life doesn’t work that way This tirips with that”

“Right back at you,” Sloane retorted “You’re the biggest control freak I know If the tables were turned, you’d be ripping mad”

Derek issued no denial Not that Sloane had expected hi maneuvered like chess pieces, no matter how solid the reasons behind it were And now Derek aiting for her to find an objectivity that continued to elude her

“This whole situation is ie e are And we can’t see our personal and professional lives Look at your reaction in Tony’s office You shot down ation si et Would you have done that if it had been anyone butthat stipulation? Especially if that anyone had my experience, my credentials?”

Derek rolled his wine goblet between his palms “No,” he stated flatly “I wouldn’t have” He pinned her with his gaze “So what’s the solution? Do you want to change your mind and bow out?”

“Of what? The investigation or our living together?”

“You tell me Which means more to you?”

There it was Out in the open, just like the last time Only Sloane had learned a lot since then

“You’re testing me,” she replied “I don’t like it, but I knohere it’s co frooing to walk away froation ahead of e have But I also won’t bow out of this case Not unless you forcefrom the past”

She knew she’d gotten through by the expression on Derek’s face

“You’re right,” he acknowledged “My being a hard-ass will only s worse So hoe handle this?”