Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
She laughed and came up on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. “It’s important to me, and I appreciate you keeping your baser instincts under control,” she teased.
His lashes fell as he gave her a seductive look. “Fine. I’ll save the dominating for the bedroom.”
They headed down to the lobby together, then went their separate ways. His car went to his office, and hers followed the route to Sadelle’s. Jessica had no idea who she’d find with Claire—most likely one or two of her friends—which didn’t matter to Jessica. The whole online world already had a front seat to her humiliation at Claire’s hands, so what were a few of her friends to witness Claire’s disgrace?
Jessica walked into Sadelle’s, wearing the black pencil skirt she’d taken from the boutique last night and a burgundy blouse. Knowing that reservations were required at the restaurant, she smiled at the hostess and mentioned that she was meeting Claire Sutherland. The young woman pointed in the direction that she would find her table.
With her chin high and her shoulders pulled back, Jessica walked through the establishment, surprised by who she saw sitting with Claire. Derek’s mother, Collette, and Claire’s mother, Olivia, were at the table. The women were close friends and had hoped to marry off Derek and Claire. A sudden twisting of nerves hit Jessica’s stomach, but she refused to let the unexpected guests deter her from her mission.
They seemed to be at the end of their meal, and while the two older women chatted away, Claire sat with a sullen look on her face, pushing her food around on her plate and looking like she’d rather be anywhere but there. Without announcing herself, Jessica slid into the one empty chair at the table, right across from Claire.
Both women stopped talking and stared at her with confused frowns, while Claire’s expression immediately turned wary.
“Hello, ladies,” Jessica said in a polite, friendly manner. “Do you mind if I join you for a few minutes? I need to talk to Claire and this shouldn’t take very long.”
Derek’s mother’s lips pursed in disapproval. “We were just finishing up lunch,” she said, her tone dismissive.
“Even better, so I don’t ruin anyone’s appetite since you’ve already eaten,” Jessica said with a smile, keeping her entire demeanor cordial.
She might be there to confront Claire, but she wasn’t going to give these women any ammunition to use against her later by raising her voice or making a scene. As far as anyone around them could see or hear, they were just having a polite conversation.
“Aren’t you the woman who came with Derek to the fundraiser last weekend?” Olivia asked, disdain in her tone.
“Yes, I am,” she replied, folding her hands in front of her as she glanced across the table and met Claire’s narrowed gaze. “It was a lovely evening.”
Claire seemed to draw herself up, straightening her shoulders, and Jessica recognized the cruel glint that flickered her eyes. “I’m so sorry to hear about what happened online with those untouched photos being leaked,” she said, her tone sugary sweet.
Bitch. Did she really think she could cover up what she’d done with her innocent act? “No, you’re not sorry,” Jessica countered.
Collette gasped. “Well, that was rude.”
“It’s the truth,” Jessica said, not taking her eyes off of Claire. “Would you like to tell them what you did, or should I?”
Panic flashed across Claire’s face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Then let me refresh your memory with something more visual.” Jessica reached into her purse for the photos she’d printed out showing shots of Claire in Jessica’s office, taking the photos and putting them in her bag. Jessica pushed them across the table for everyone to see. “That’s you, stealing the same pictures that were leaked to social media.”
All three women stared in horror at the irrefutable evidence Jessica had just presented, their expressions almost comical except no one was laughing. Because there was no denying the proof in front of them.
Keeping her smile sweet and her voice calm, Jessica said, “If you disparage me or my business ever again, I will take these photos to the police. Corporate espionage is a crime, and I won’t hesitate to expose you if you make that mistake again.”
Claire’s eyes were huge and swirling with anger. “Are you threatening me?” she hissed, and though her voice was low, there was no doubt she was about to spiral.
Her mother put a hand on Claire’s arm to keep her calm, no doubt because she did not want to draw attention to her daughter creating a scene.
“Of course not,” Jessica said in a placating tone, the kind that indicated Claire was being ridiculous with her accusation. “I’m just giving you a friendly reminder not to mess with me and what’s mine, or next time there will be consequences.”