A Setback

When you woke up and saw Megan's face, you knew something was up. She had the guilty expression of the bearer of bad news.

Without saying a word, she handed you a piece of paper. It had been torn out of a notebook, the writing hasty and sloppy. Obvious the work of a doctor.

I am sorry James. I cannot join your harem. I just have too much ahead of me. With my career and my family and my divorce I just cannot commit to something like this. I enjoyed our time together but I think it is best we do not talk again. I wish you the best in your project. Sorry again.

-Lily

"I checked the cameras, Master," Megan informed you. "She left at around four in the morning."

"Well, this is... quite unfortunate." You crumple up the paper and throw it away. "It seems that Lily's ego has made one last bid for control. I was hoping to deal with that today but... I guess I'll have to improvise."

"What are you going to do, Master?"

Despite being caught off guard, the gears were already turning in your head. Standing up and throwing on a robe, you replied "Don't worry, I have a plan. Though I think I'll need you to run an errand for me."

Megan perked up at the idea of being useful. "Oh, of course, Sir! Whatever you need!"

Making your way to your desk, you open your email. You quickly compose a message to Lily's ex-husband. You detail the progress you have made, and the current situation you were in. Importantly, you punctuated the email with a request.

It was a risk, but you asked him if he had a key to her apartment. They had shared the flat in the past, and it was possible he still had a way to get in. What you had planned definitely crossed a line, both legally and for Lily. It might be pushing too hard. However, your risks had always paid off so far, and you had not gotten here by playing it safe.

The husband responded within the hour. He was enthusiastic about the progress that you had made, and agreed that all Lily would need was one last push over the edge. Most importantly, though, he did in fact have a spare key that he was willing to relinquish. You sent Megan with one of your cars to go pick it up.

This setback would only be temporary.