How to Rob a Billionaire

Chapter 4 - A Sneaky Mouse

"Hmm. That could be an issue," I agreed.

"You two calling me ugly?" a voice interjected.

I dropped the skillet in the dishwasher with a clang.

Secretary Coy and I both turned too fast toward the stairs to seem natural. I adjusted the cuffs of my shirt while Coy busied himself with his emails.

Miss Corday sauntered into the kitchen, sniffing the air. Though she was dressed in the clothes I set aside for her, her hair was still a mess, barely contained by a scrunchie.

"Quiet now, hmm?" she asked.

"You misunderstood us, Miss," Secretary Coy said.

She rounded the breakfast bar and inspected the food I prepared.

"This for me?" she asked while pointing at it.

"A reasonable portion, yes."

"Hm, 'kay."

She proceeded to rummage through every cupboard before finding the bowls and dishing herself more than I had intended to share.

"Any coffee?" she asked, poking around the kitchen like she owned the place. She opened the second fridge and stopped, her eyes widening. "What the hell's this? You running an orange juice empire?"

I closed the fridge filled with bottles of orange juice and gestured to the chairs.

"Please, do eat. I don't have coffee but there is water."

She grumbled something under her breath before plopping down next to Secretary Coy and devouring her lunch. My secretary eyed her warily as though she might try to take a bite of his tablet.

"What's up with the clothes in the closet?" she commented through mouthfuls. "They're all the same."

"Do finish chewing before speaking, Miss Corday."

"Sure thing, boss," she said with even more food in her mouth.

I sighed, rubbing at the creases in my brow.

"What you wear while staying here is not important," I said. "As long as it is to my standard. Clothes for tasks shall be provided for according to the nature of the task."

"And what if I wanna go out? People will think I'm cosplaying some sort of maid," she said with a gesture toward her attire. She wore a perfectly respectable black dress and white blouse.

"Nobody would notice, Miss Corday," I sighed.

"Right. I forgot I'm too ugly to pay any mind. That's what you two ladies were gossiping about anyway," she grumbled.

"We called you plain, not ugly," I clarified.

My secretary sent me a look I had seen all too much.

Was I too blunt?

I turned back and Miss Corday's face had turned several shades redder with her brows drawn and her cheeks puffed.

"I'll have you know that there is more to a woman than just a pretty face," she said in a restrained tone.

"Of course," I agreed. "Work ethic and productivity."

Her jaw set.

"Yes," she gritted out. "Work ethic. And it just so happens that I am a master at my craft. Just give me a target and location and the job's as good as done. I've seduced plenty of men with this face, thank you."

"Though I don't doubt your confidence," I replied coolly, "I'd prefer to increase the odds. We'll take you out and doll you up."

Her glare was something I wouldn't forget.