Chapter 55. The Hustle

Julie

Her eyes narrow, and I can see her mind working, trying to calculate, to reason her way out. The thought almost amuses me. “You think I’m just going to hand you over some video or photo of me and Ryan? Just like that?”

“Oh, I don’t think it. I know it. Unless, of course, you’re alright with the alternative. I could always release this little masterpiece to the press. ‘CEO’s Mistress Caught Red-Handed.’ Imagine the headlines.”

Emily’s face twists with fury. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe,” I say. “But I’m not the one who’s spent weeks playing house in the CEO’s bedroom. A married man’s bedroom.”

She clenches her jaw, glancing sideways at James, who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. His gaze shifts between us, and I don’t miss the flare of anger in his eyes. This wasn’t part of his plan either, clearly.

Emily forces a smile, her eyes pleading as she speaks in a syrupy tone that would be convincing if I didn’t know her so well.