Page 112 of Babies for the Big Shot

Rebecca’s smile is sharp, a knife cutting through the tension. “Right. Of course not. Because that would be unethical.”

That’s it.

I step forward, placing both hands flat on her desk. I lean in, looming over her, my voice low and lethal. “You don’t get to talk about her. Not like that. You don’t know a damn thing about who she is or what she means to me.”

She doesn’t flinch. The satisfaction on her face slips—just barely, but it’s enough.

“You always pick the ones who make you feel good about yourself,” she says, her voice tight. “I was too much. Too loud. Too demanding. But her? She looks at you like you invented oxygen.”

“I came here to get the truth, not a jealous monologue.”

Her eyes flash. “I’m not jealous, Nick. I’m bitter. There’s a difference. You walked away from me, and that’s fine. I’ve made my peace with it. But don’t pretend I’m the villain just because your new girlfriend makes you forget your past.”

I stare at her. And suddenly, it’s all clear.

She’s not calculating anymore. Not pulling strings. Not dangerous. She’s hurt. Clinging to something that was never as solid as she thought.

This isn’t about strategy. It’s about spite.

And that makes her less of a threat, not more.

“You didn’t leak it,” I say, my voice low. “You just sent it to me.”

She doesn’t deny it. Just lifts her chin, meeting my gaze.

“You should be careful, Nick. This thing with her? It’s going to cost you more than you think.”

I straighten, jaw tight. “It’s already cost me enough.”

I walk out of her office and down the hall, the weight of her words lingering behind me.

But inside, I’m unraveling.

Rebecca didn’t leak the photos. I believe that now. Not because I trust her, but because for once, she told the truth. Or at least, just enough of it to show me this is bigger than I thought.

Someone else is behind this. Someone who doesn’t want to just wound, they want to wreck.

By the time I reach my building, my pulse is thudding so loud in my ears that I almost don’t hear the quiet voice call my name.

“Mr. Ashford.”

I turn.

One of the security officers, older guy, graying buzz cut, steps out from behind the desk. He’s never said more than a nod before, but now there’s something different in his eyes… serious. Alert.

“I’ve got something you need to see.”

He holds out a flash drive.

I eye it. “What is it?”

He glances around before speaking in a low voice. “You asked us to monitor for anything suspicious after that incident with the file going missing from your office.”

I nod, memory clicking into place.

He clears his throat. “One of our overnight guys flagged some footage. Thought it looked… off. So I pulled it. Thought you should be the one to see it first.”

I take the drive from him, the plastic still warm from his hand. “Thanks.”