Chapter 16%
I took a sip of red wine, letting the richness settle on my tongue as I turned the page of my book. It was the kind of slow and intimate night I had always craved. One where my thoughts weren’t consumed by Jairus or the wreckage he had left in his wake.}
Then my phone vibrated beside me.
Jared.
A smirk tugged at my lips as I answered. “Calling to say goodnight? How sweet of you.“}
His low chuckle hummed through the receiver. But there was something else beneath it. “Not exactly, sweetheart. I thought you’d like to hear about the dinner I just had.“}
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Dinner? Didn’t realize you were out.“>
“Figured I’d get some fresh air. And as luck would have it, I got dinner and a show. And I just know you’re going to love this.“}
I smirked and set my wine glass down. “That depends. Are you calling to tell me I won the lottery? Or did someone finally slap some sense into Jairus?”
“Better,” Jared drawled. “Guess who I ran into?“{
I exhaled dramatically. “Let me guess. Katie, basking in the glory of her non–existent engagement?“}
“Oh, she was basking, alright. But not with Jairus.“}
That got my attention. I straightened in my seat. “What do you mean?“}
Jared chuckled. “I mean I watched her spend an entire dinner being very cozy with another man. Holding hands, sharing a bottle of wine, and whispering sweet nothings. All the things a woman engaged to one man shouldn’t be doing with another.”
My lips parted slightly. “She’s cheating on Jairus?“}
“Oh, sweetheart, it gets better. After dinner, they left together. And guess where they went?“}
My pulse quickened. “Jared, tell me you’re joking.“}
*Checked into a hotel like a pair of newlyweds,” he confirmed smugly. “I followed them to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Trust me, I wasn’t.”
I let out a sharp laugh. The sheer audacity of it sent a thrill through me. “She really is something else, huh? Screaming about her rightful place in Jairus’s life while keeping a side piece warm?“}
“Oh, you haven’t even heard the best part yet. My assistant ran a quick background check. Turns out, the guy she was with isn’t just some fling. His name is Angelo De Luca. He runs a luxury boutique business. And guess what? He and Katie never broke up. She’s been with him this entire time.“}
I blinked. “So she was planning to marry Jairus, steal his money, and keep her lover on the side?“}
“Ding, ding, ding.” Jared’s voice dripped with amusement. “Turns out the princess has been running a long con.”
I exhaled as I shook my head. “This is unreal. And let me guess, Jairus has no idea?“}
“None. He’s too busy licking his wounds from you rejecting him. Meanwhile, Katie’s out here making him the biggest fool in the city.“> I let out a low whistle. “Oh, this is just too good.“}
“So,” Jared mused. “The real question is… when do you plan on telling him?“>
I leaned back into my couch and tapped my fingers against the armrest. “Oh, I could tell him right away… but where’s the fun in that?” Jared chuckled. “I love the way your mind works.“}
I smiled. My mind was already spinning with possibilities. “Let’s just say Jairus has been insufferable lately. Thinking he still holds any power over me. Maybe it’s time to remind him that he’s always been nothing more than a fool.“}
Jared hummed in approval. “You’re going to enjoy this, aren’t you?“}
“Oh, immensely. I laughed softly. “And when I do tell him? I’ll make sure Katie’s world crumbles right along with his.“}
I stood. I paced the length of my living room, already forming a plan. This needed to be perfect. Ineeded to expose them in a way that left no room for manipulation. No way for Katie to weasel her way out.
*Jared, send me everything your assistant found. I want every detail, every receipt, and every bit of proof.“”
“Already ahead of you, sweetheart. Check your inbox.“}
I grabbed my laptop and opened my email. The attachment loaded quickly. And as I scanned the documents and pictures, my grin widened. There it was. Katie, who practically draped over Angelo in the restaurant with her hands on his chest as she whispered something in his ear. Another picture of them laughing in the hotel lobby with his hand possessively resting on her lower back.”
And then the best one, Katie, kissing Angelo in the elevator.
Game over.
I leaned back, satisfied. “Oh, this is going to be fun.“}
