Chapter Eighty Three
Ryan’s Poy
“I have nothing to hide!” James shouted insistently.
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He was clearly on edge, desperately trying to hide his anxiety, but is nervous ticks and sweaty forehead gave him away.
“Is that so? Then you wouldn’t mind me sharing this information with Julie, or the authorities, when we open up our investigation.” I said. “There’s a missing five figure necklace that needs to be found, after all.”
He sounded like he’d run a marathon when he asked, “Why would you point them my way? I told you, I’m innocent!”
My demeanor flipped, and in the next heartbeat I was leaning forward, face stoney.
“Because I’ve spoken to the debt collectors who are after you, James. I know how desperate your situation is and how simple it would have been for you to swap the necklaces.” I said, voice hard ‘Come clean before this blows up in your face.”
His eyes were wide as saucers.
“You have no proof I took the necklace! If you keep harassing me, ll c–call…” his words fizzled into a gasp for air.
The butler clutched his chest, eyes flickering as he tottered on his feet. His complexion was deathly pale. My pulse quickened as I braced him against my side to stop him from collapsing.
These were telltale signs of angina.
“James, where is your medication?” I asked calmly.
He raised a trembling hand to his suit jacket, mumbling weakly. “Here.”
I dug into his pocket and pulled out a pillbox, his wallet and keys falling at our feet.
“How many?” I asked, opening the emergency medication.
James held up two shaky fingers, and I popped the pills into his mouth. He swallowed, leaning on me heavily for a minute before he let out a sigh of relief and stood tall.
“It’s best to avoid stress when you have such a serious heart condition.” I said, handing him his pillbox. “I’m glad you’re alright.”
The man nodded, reluctantly thanking me.
I swooped down to pick up his fallen possessions. His wallet had landed open and my gaze was riveted to the worn photo he kept in it. I stood, closely examining the woman’s face and inscription underneath–Alice’s 30th birthday.
Something about her warm smile felt familiar.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to go through someone’s wallet!” he snapped, snatching it from my hands and tucking it away in his suit jacket.
I tilted my head, intrigued by the suspicious way he studied me.
“How old is that photo? About thirty years?” I asked, handing him his keys.
His shocked expression gave me everything I needed. The woman was Alice, the nanny who’d cared for me as a child.
It was all the leverage I needed.
“That’s none of your business, sir.” Each word was laced with contempt. “It’s time you leave, or I will call security to make you leave.”
James stepped back and reached for the panel beside the door. His finger hovered over a button as I took a step back, outwardly
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Chapter Lighty Three
calm, but my gaze had turned sharp.
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That won’t be necessary.” I said, voice dangerously low. “If you won’t admit to your crimes, I’ll just have to find another way.”
The butler stared back, contusion and apprehension clouding his features. He said nothing, hand falling to his side as I turned to head to the car.
And stopped short at a barricade of onlookers.
“Show’s over.” I said, shooing them. “Move along and get back to your lives‘ people!”
Several of them shoved the phones into pockets and bags as they scurried away.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. My father already wasn’t speaking to me after I refused his marriage arrangement and moved out. If these videos ended up on social inedia and I embarrassed him…
Well, he’d probably disown me.
“Ryan? Now’s not the best time to catch a tan,” Celeste called through the driver’s window.
I watched her wave at me, an awkward smile on her face, and my emotions clashed in my chest. She was pushing me away, and I just couldn’t figure out why.
It was driving me half insane.
“Did you get anything out of the butler?” she asked eagerly the moment I was in the seat beside her.
I pursed my lips. “He’s adamant that he’s innocent.”
“Shit,” she said, closing her eyes and leaning back against her headrest. “I was really hoping you’d get through to him.”
“Don’t worry, Celeste. I’ll keep digging until we can clear your name.”
She sighed. “I appreciate your dedication, Ryan.”
I glanced out the window and noticed the butler watching us like a hawk.
“We should probably get going before James actually calls security.” I said, fastening my seatbelt. “Maybe we could grab breakfast on the way?”
It would be the perfect chance to talk. About us. About my mysterious phantom girlfriend.
“You know what? Damien doesn’t stay far from here.” Celeste said, her face brightening for the first time since this PR nightmare started.
Something bubbled under my skin, and I clenched my jaw. That arrogant asshole’s name on her lips made my chest tighten.
It was jealousy, plain and simple.
“Let’s stop by his place.” She started the engine and pulled off. “I want to see how Bonnie is doing before we head back.”
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