Chapter 27 Blindfolded Authority
SCARLETT
The content team has turned the eleventh floor into a makeshift TikTok studio—neon ring lights, ring lights on tripods, a green screen backdrop taped to the wall, a playlist of trending sounds blasting from someone's Bluetooth speaker.
The list of content creation tools is endless.
Boosting visibility is the goal for Law & Moore's social media.
According to the content team, we have to make the company look fun, young, and relatable so Gen Z doesn't think we're just a bunch of millennials in suits moving billions around.
The activities are predictably chaotic, one of the first being "Blindfolded Search"
We'd have to navigate the floor blindfolded using only verbal directions from your partner.
Everyone is paired randomly.
I get Jay.
He's already grinning when I walk over to the designated starting line—a strip of blue painter's tape across the carpet.
"Ready to dominate?" he asks, bouncing on his toes like we're about to win the Olympics.
"Ready to survive," I correct, but I'm smiling. Jay's energy is contagious. He's always been so sweet to me, bringing me coffee without being asked, asking how I'm holding up, especially since Lawrence has been an ass to everyone in the office.
We're halfway through the Blindfolded Search, Jay is blindfolded, while I guide him with frantic directions.
"Left! No, your other left!" I yell, amidst laughs. "Stop… watch out, chair!"
Beverly appears at my right side, iced latte in hand. She managed to convince the team that she won't be participating in any of the activities.
"So," she says, lowering her voice, "how was the date with Kieran?"
I glance around quickly. Jay is still blindfolded, stumbling toward the copy machine like a drunk toddler.
"It was nice," I whisper back. "Really nice. He's sweet and funny. Normal."
Beverly deadpans. "Normal? Just normal?"
I shrug.
"Who's Kieran?" Jay asks suddenly, pulling off the blindfold mid-step and nearly falling into a filing cabinet.
Beverly grins. "Just another rich dude who's interested in Scarlett."
"Bev, please," I scold, shooting her a warning look. I feel bad for Jay. He's standing right there, and I know he likes me. The last thing he needs is Beverly rubbing salt in the wound.
Jay raises a brow. "Another?"
"Ignore her," I say quickly, grabbing his arm to pull him back toward the blindfold station. "She's just trying to stir drama."
Jay lets me guide him, but he doesn't drop it. He looks between Beverly and me, then gives a small smile that doesn't reach his eyes.
"I'm jealous," he says lightly. "So I guess I don't stand a chance."
"Jay, come on…" I squeeze his arm, trying to laugh it off.
"Just kidding, Scar."
He bumps my shoulder gently, like always. But there's something in his tone now. Something colder. "Rich dudes are never really in it for the woman. They just like the chase… the power trip."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," I reply. "But not all of them."
"Once they get what they want, they're gone." He continues casually. "Or worse…they keep you around long enough to remind you who's really in control."
Beverly clears her throat from her position. I glare at her, shaking my head.
Jay shrugs. "Anyway, let's win this blindfold thingy before Moore decides TikTok is beneath him."
He slips the blindfold back on, turning away. "Guide me, will you?"
"Yes. Sure."
I'm about to tell him to watch his step when everything goes silent.
All heads turn toward the elevators as they slide open.
Lawrence steps out.
Speak of the devil himself.
He's in a coal-black three-piece again, his sharp eyes scanning the floor like he's walking into a boardroom full of enemies instead of an office full of TikTok lights.
Everyone freezes in their steps.
Even the content team stops filming.
He doesn't smile or greet anyone, striding straight toward the centre of the madness, hands in his pockets.
"What," Lawrence says in an icy tone, "is going on here?"
The head of content—poor Rita— moves forward.
"Um… Mr Moore, you must not have gotten the email, then." She looks pale with fear. "W-we're having a team-building exercise, sir. Social media visibility campaign."
She gestures around. "It's fun content for TikTok and Instagram. We thought…"
Lawrence tilts his head.
Rita stops talking.
He looks around slowly, taking in the ring lights, the green screen, the blindfolds, and the half-eaten snacks.
Then his gaze lands on Jay and me, standing close.
My stomach churns.
Lawrence doesn't react outwardly. His jaw doesn't tick, his fists don't clench, he doesn't glare. But he pins me in place with a long, unreadable look.
Then he says the last thing anyone expects.
"I'm joining."
Someone behind me gasps. I think it might be me.
Rita blinks. "Sir?"
"I said I'm joining." He repeats coolly. "Pair me up."
The room erupts in whispers.
Beverly mutters under her breath, "Oh, this is gonna be good."
"Right!" Rita exclaims, clearly flustered. "Um… Mr Moore, you can pair with…"
"Miss Thorn," he says, green eyes still on me. "We'll take the next round."
My mouth goes dry.
Jay's hand brushes my elbow. "Hey, you good?" he murmurs. "That man obviously has it out for you."
I force a nod.
Lawrence saunters over. Unrelated, but he has such a sexy model walk, and I don't look away until he gets to me.
The motion is casual, but the way he looks at Jay—like he's measuring how far he can throw him—makes my pulse spike.
"Ready, Miss Thorn?" he asks.
"Always, sir," I reply dryly.
"So what's this game about?"
Jay steps forward with the black silk blindfold, handing it to Lawrence.
He then backs away, mouthing "Good luck" to me.
"Wear that while trying to find certain office supplies," I explain, nodding toward the supply closet across the open floor. "I'll guide you."
Lawrence stares down at the blindfold in his hand, looking genuinely horrified.
He lifts his gaze back to me, staring at me like I suggested we burn down an orphanage or something.
"How do I know you'll guide me right?" he asks, one brow arched.
I cross my arms, tilting my head. "Guess you'll just have to trust me."
He holds my stare for a long second before exhaling through his nose.
Then he removes his glasses, tucking them into his breast pocket and lifts the blindfold to his eyes.
Dirty, ridiculous thoughts suddenly flash through my brain.
Thoughts of me straddling him while he's blindfolded, his hands gripping my hips while I ride him slowly, making him beg for direction…
Hold the fuck up, Scarlett.
I mentally slap myself so hard I nearly flinch.
Lawrence finishes tying the knot behind his head. The blindfold sits perfectly, black silk against dark brown hair, somehow making him look even more dashing.
"What direction do I move?" he asks, calm as ever.
I glance at the massive metal filing cabinet directly in his path.
"A little bit forward," I say sweetly, "then left."
He doesn't move.
"Nice try, Miss Thorn." His voice is icy. "I saw that cabinet on my way in."
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
"Oops."
The floor bursts into muffled giggles and whispers. Even Rita is covering her mouth with both hands.
Lawrence tilts his head slightly, listening to the room like he's tracking every snicker.
"Try again," he says. "And this time, try not to kill me."