Chapter 17
“Ah!”
“She jumped!”
“Renee, no!” Megan lunged, but her hands closed around nothing. Renee plummeted.
The safety cushion broke her fall. No injuries, no drama—at least, not the kind Megan could handle. She exhaled hard, but Renee just sat up, eyes locked on the spot where Finley
had disappeared.
He didn’t even turn around.
“Finley, I hate you!”
Megan bolted downstairs, grabbing Renee’s arm. “Are you out of your mind? That was a stunt, not a suicide mission! What if you’d actually died? How do I even explain that to the
investors?”
Renee met her gaze, something dark flickering in her eyes. “But I didn’t, so what’s the problem?”
Megan swallowed. That look—something about it felt…off. Still, she shook it off and sighed. “As long as you’re okay. You scared the hell out of me.”
“Enough. Didn’t you say there’s a dinner party tonight? You wanted me there, right?
“The one with the real estate guys? You’ve always hated those events.”
Renee blinked, then smirked. “Hate it? Why would I hate it?”
The Lloyds built their empire on real estate. If she wanted to ruin Finley, she’d need powerful allies.
‘Fine, Finley. You turned your back on me? Don’t blame me for what comes next.”
+TE ECOTUSS
A full day in the Maldives, and Claire finally felt like she could breathe again.
Back at the hotel, she powered on her phone.
No missed calls from Finley. Good. Without a second thought, she blocked his number.
Not long after, her mom called.
“Claire, why was your phone off all day? You’re in the Maldives–how long are you staying? Let me know when you’re back, I’ll cook something nice for you.”
“Sure, Mom. I’ll let you know.”
“Stay safe, and if you need money, just call me.
“Okay.”
After hanging up, Claire took a long soak in the hot tub, then crashed into the best sleep she’d had in ages.
The next morning, a knock at the door yanked her awake.
She opened it to find a staff member holding a massive bouquet—999 red roses.
Claire blinked. “What is this?”
“A gentleman asked me to deliver these to you,” the staff member said.
Her stomach dropped. She didn’t know anyone here. Who else would send her roses?
Her suspicion was confirmed a second later when Finley stepped into view.
Her expression iced over. Without a word, she grabbed the bouquet, chucked it, and slammed the door in his face.
“Claire!” Finley pounded on the door. “Don’t do this! Please, just let me in!”
2/3
+15 Bonus
Inside, Claire was already stuffing her suitcase. She came here to escape him, and now he was ruining everything.
“I know I messed up! I shouldn’t have ignored you because of Renee. Please, just talk to me!”
She didn’t answer
So, of course, Finley climbed in through the window.
