HANNAH (Silicon Valley Billionaires 3)

I started to help Wes from the wheelchair to a chaise, but he gave me a very pointed look, so I backed off. I bit my lip as he used his arms, lifting himself. He winced a little, and my heart broke, but I looked away. Wesley didn’t want my pity—in the weeks since the shooting, I’d at least figured that much out.

He settled himself onto the chair with some effort, then sighed. “Tell me more about Fiona Pace.”

I sat down next to him. “It isn’t good news. She’s been the CEO of Protocol Therapeutics for about two years. They’re researching antibody therapies to help cancer patients.”

“Right, I’ve read about them.”

My brow furrowed. “You have?”

“Of course—their valuation came in at seven billion dollars. Not bad for a company that hasn’t even completed clinical trials yet.”

When he saw the shocked look on my face, Wes laughed. “I can actually read at grade level, you know. I can even do it when I make a muscle at the same time.” He winked.

“I know—of course I knew that.” But my cheeks burned. I’d underestimated him, and I just got busted.

I cleared my throat and continued. “Fiona’s IT team realized they were being hacked recently. They changed their firewalls so the person couldn’t get in.”

Wes frowned. “I’m waiting for the part where the news gets bad, and I’m dreading it.”

I blew out a deep breath. “It’s Li Na—she called Fiona and told her that since she can’t hack in, she wants to outright buy Protocol.”

Wes’s face hardened. “And?”

“And when Fiona refused, Li Na threatened her.”

Silence stretched out between us as he processed the news.

Wes finally shook his head, looking as if he’d like to crush something. “Jesus. She didn’t even take a breather.”

“I know. Lauren and I told Fiona to call the FBI, and we gave her Levi’s number.

She’s supposed to call him today.”

“Unfuckingbelievable.” Wes stared straight ahead, his jaw taut. “It’s time.”

“Time for what?”

“To take Li Na out. She’s done enough damage—we can’t let her get away with any more. I’m done with waiting.”

My heart thundered, and I reached for him, panicked. “The FBI will handle it.”

He wrapped his arms around me, cradling me carefully to his chest. “They haven’t managed to handle it yet, babe.”

“I know, but they’ll do something this time. She can’t just keep getting away with murder.”

Wes played with my hair. “You’re right about that.”

I pulled back, my gaze zeroing in on his. “It can’t be you. I need you.”

Wes chuckled. “You didn’t even know I could read until two minutes ago.”

“I didn’t mean it like that—” I spluttered.

He put his finger over my lips, shushing me. “I’m just teasing you, honey.”

I tried to relax against him, but the panic wouldn’t recede. “Just promise me.”

“Promise you what?”