Eric meets her at work

With his errand complete, Eric followed his guard back to the company gym. He had been surprised that his guard didn't say anything when he talked to Cynthia. Maybe her family had more clout than he realized. She had mentioned "overseas investors" after all. The fact he hadn't been reprimanded for Cynthia the actual reason for his living conditions and not the fabricated one signaled to Eric that maybe she has some sort of leverage over Andersson. The guards would have absolutely stepped in if that was the case.

Several hours later, Eric had been on the elliptical in the company's gym when two people walked in. First was Cynthia, still as immaculately dressed as she had been when the two of them had run into each other earlier that same day. And the other was... Andersson.

Eric turned away from them, but heard Cynthia call his name. He winced at her cheery voice, knowing she was getting a full view of his ass. "Hey, Eric! You're working here too?"

"You know this guy?" Andersson asked.

"Of course!" Cynthia said cheerfully. "We went to business school together. He was the best classmate; always helping me with projects and homework."

Andersson scoffed. "Well, I'm sorry to see how far he's fallen. This pervert's been showing up naked every day to work."

Cynthia's voice suddenly changed. "Yes, I'm aware. He told me about the little 'deal' he has going on."

"Did he now?!" Eric didn't face his boss, but he knew the old man was furious. "Well, then, I guess I'll just have to..."

There was a pause in the air, and Cynthia's cold tone returned. Eric looked at the two in the frontal mirror to see the normally reserved woman giving Andersson a glare that chilled his bones. "Watch your words carefully, Mr. Andersson. My father still has my ear, and any friend of mine is a friend of his."

Andersson coughed and composed himself. "Y-Yes. Well, anyway, I'm sure he'll be pleased to know you got the job here."

Eric winced again. It was embarrassing enough to run into Cynthia on the street. Now that she was going to be at his place of business, he just wanted to curl up and die. Cynthia was a sweet woman and was an amazing friend. The last thing Eric needed was for her to see what kind of humiliation he was putting himself through just to keep out of prison.

He noticed Cynthia getting on the elliptical beside him. Andersson stepped forward in shock. "M-Ms. Lewis, what do you think you're doing?!"

"Getting a workout in," Cnythia said. "I like to keep in shape, especially after a good interview."

"Ms. Lewis, I'm afraid we simply can't encourage you to work next to this man," Andersson said. "Such a display isn't fit for someone like you."

Cynthia gave him another glare. "Did you already forget what I said about having my father's ear? I'm happy to work here but be careful telling me about who I can and can't be with."

As if anticipating this, Andersson pulled a contract out from his jacket. "Ms. Lewis, I'm afraid the contract signed here is quite explicit. The company does have the full right to deny this man anything it sees as fit. You're more than welcome to show your father."

Cynthia got off the elliptical and took the contract into her hands. She quickly read over the paper before making a small shrug. "Yup, you're right. It's airtight."

Eric noticed her grow a devious smile.