Page 23 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part Two

Kenyon’s nostrils flare.

I pull him closer, my palm going to his forearm, my gaze unwavering. “You have until Monday to move the acquisition forward to closing. You will drop the other bid, honor our existing agreement, and finish the deal. If you choose not to follow through, I’ll call a press conference, and believe me, I’ll bring receipts.”

He blinks.

“Receipts?” he echoes.

“Receipts,” I confirm sweetly. “Everyone knows you have a problem with powder, but do they know about your lover over in Ann Arbor? Or that you’ve been siphoning off state and federal grant money to finance your little love nest? All through yourshell company, so Grace doesn’t find out? It really is so sad you got married without a pre-nup.”

I smile. Not the nice kind.

“You think I’m bluffing, Kenyon? Try me. Idareyou.”

His face drains of color. I lean in.

“Move the deal forward. And if you try to fuck me over again…” My voice rumbles like thunder. “I’ll burn everything you love to ash. Your bank, your brother-in-law’s Presidential ambitions, and your precious little legacy.”

I straighten, tug my gown just slightly higher, and give him a slow, assessing once-over.

“Don’t confuse the lipstick and heels for softness, baby.”

I smile, saccharine sweet. Then, with a kiss to his cheek, I saunter away.

Melissa meets up with me.

“Do you need me to corral the rest of them?” she murmurs.

I tilt my chin up, the adrenaline I’ve channeled to amp me up for the confrontation I just had starting to make me jittery.

After a slow breath so no one can tell I’m starting to feel…too much. Overwhelmed? Maybe not. Definitely not. I feel….

I’m riding high.

“No,” I tell Melissa, a small smile crossing my lips. “I’m sure Kenyon got the point. And if not?”

I look back at the man. He stands right where I left him, his phone out as he scowls at the screen. His sister Lucielle slides next to him with a tense expression.

“Well, we’ll see, won’t we?” I add. Straightening my shoulders, I adjust my trajectory to exit the ballroom.

I have no desire to mingle with rich bastards with sticks up their asses. It’s enough to have to deal with myself: a rich bitch. Stick may or may not be included, depending on the day.

Keep moving forward, Shae.

That’s all I can do. One foot in front of the other. Kenyon thought he could mess with me, but I still hold the power.

I win. You lose.

Feeling a little dizzy, I stumble to a stop. Melissa pauses, looking at me over her shoulder.

“You okay?” she asks, and I try smiling at her again.

“Yes,” I whisper. “Right as rain. I’m just tired and need to rest up.” It’s way too late to call the twins, and I promised myself I’ll get up earlier than usual to catch them before I set out for the day.

Melissa nods and heads to the concierge to call our driver. Pulling out my phone, I grin when I see an email from Nancy Braxton-Hogg with a meeting request in the subject line. I’m about to tap out a short reply when the air shifts, and I feel…something.

Like I’m being watched.

Looking around the space, I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Melissa’s off to one side, a few couples spread around the floor.