CHAPTER 022
LAURA’S POV
The sound of the lock clicking sent a chill down my spine. My heart thudded faster in my chest, and for a split second, I froze, clutching my wine glass.
My pulse quickened as the door creaked open.
When Jason stepped inside, I was surprised but then I couldn’t contain the joy that bubbled up inside me. This was the first time he was here without me having to pull any stunts.
I set my wine glass on the table, unable to stop the wide sile spreading across my face.
“Jason,” I said softly, my voice full of warmth. “What are you doing here?”
His face was hard, his eyes cold. “We need to talk,” he said his voice low and cold.
I tilted my head slightly. This wasn’t the reaction I expected, my expression full of concem. “Of course. You seem upset. Sit down, let me get you a drink…”
“I’m not here for drinks, Laura,” he interrupted sharply, his tone cutting like a blade.
I paused, confused by his reaction, then gestured for him to continue. “Alright. What’s this about?”
Jason didn’t sit. He loomed over me, his presence almost suffocating. His hands were clenched at his sides, and I could see the anger building up beneath his calm exterior.
“Marcus Hale,” he said, his words precise and deliberate.
My stomach twisted, and for a moment, I froze. I had to regain my composure. “Mr. Hale? What about him?”
“He drugged Ava and attempted to rape her,” he replied in an angry tone.
My heart skipped a beat at the realization that my plan hadn’t worked and Marcus had been caught. I blinked quickly, fighting to keep my expression neutral.
I faked a shocked look, placing a hand over my mouth, and widening my eyes more than necessary. “Oh no! How’s she? I can’t believe Marcus could do such a horrible thing.”
Jason ignored my remark. Instead, he pulled out his phone and held it up for me to see.
My breath caught when I saw the footage, the security camera from the coffee shop had captured us. Marcus and 1, sitting close, having a discussion.
My stomach twisted in knots as I felt my hands tremble and for a split second, panic flashed in my eyes before I forced it down.
How the hell did he get this?
For a moment, I said nothing, letting the silence grow heavy between us. My mind raced, thinking of a lie.
Finally, I let out a soft laugh, the sound too sharp, too quick to be genuine.
Then I looked him in the eyes, disbelief etched on my face. I had to ensure my facial expression didn’t give me away. I could feel the panic rising, but I pushed it down.
“Wait, don’t tell me you think I was the one who told him to drug Ava?”
“Then why don’t you tell me exactly what it is?” he demanded.
+26 BONUS
CHAPTER 077
“Because I see no reason why you should meet up with him a few hours before the dinner meeting. It’s all suspicious, Laura.”
I sighed, letting my shoulders drop in a show of vulnerability. My voice softened, but I had to keep it steady. Fine,” I said reluctantly.
“Marcus and I met because he wanted to know if I would be attending the dinner that night. I told him I couldn’t make it and that Ava would be taking my place.”
Jason’s expression didn’t change, and I knew I had to keep going
“He was upset, Jason. He said he needed someone with more experience to handle the negotiation, but I reassured him that Ava would do a wonderful job. I thought I was helping you by smoothing things over.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Jason asked, his voice still hard.
“I didn’t think it was important,” I said, stepping closer to him, letting my voice soften even more. “You’ve been so stressed lately, Jason. I didn’t want to bother you with something so trivial.”
Jason frowned, but I could see the crack in his resolve. He wanted to believe me–I could feel it. I reached out, brushing his arm lightly.
“Jason, you know me,” I said, my tone pleading now. “I’d never do anything to hurt your wife because I know that would hurt you too.”
“Everything I’ve done has been to support you, to make your life easier. Can’t you see that?”
Jason stared at me, his jaw tightening. “If 1 find out you’ve led to me, or that you were behind Marcus… anything to hurt Ava…” He paused, his voice cold and final. “Our friendship is done. Do you understand me?”
The words hit me like a slap, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I nodded slowly, my expression carefully composed. “I understand,” I said quietly, watching as he turned and walked out, the door slamming shut behind him.
The moment he was gone, my mask cracked. I grabbed my wine glass and hurled it against the wall, watching with satisfaction as it shattered into a thousand pieces.
Ava! Ava! Ava! I wish I could strangle her with my bare hands.
Jason could try to protect her all he wanted, but it wouldn’t matter. This wasn’t over.
I would do everything possible to remove Ava from Jason’s life and fit myself right in. The thought alone brought a smirk to my lips.
