Page 107 of Filthy Rich Temptation

My throat tightens. Not because of her words, but because I’ve heard similar before – from someone else. Someone who looked at me like I was worth every good thing.

It’s been three days since I last saw Theo, and not a single hour’s passed without his face breaking through. Or the memory of what I said. What I accused him of.

Just like Danny.

‘Sadie?’

I snap back into the room. Lucile’s watching me closely, brows knitted in concern.

‘Sorry,’ I murmur, becoming aware of my fists clenched tight upon the desk. I smooth them out, place my palms against the cool, glass surface. ‘You were saying?’

‘There are ways we can publish anonymously, if that’s what feels right. But like I mentioned in my email, if you did want to go public, we’d support you completely. Full press, media training, PR… extra security if you feel you need it.’ Her eyes flick to Mike – my close protection detail courtesy of Axel, stationed in the main office behind us, just visible through the glass. ‘You’d control every step. The message, the moment.’

I nod slowly, my pulse picking up.

‘Sometimes,’ she adds, ‘stepping into the light changes everything. It makes the story more real. It shows people that the woman behind the words isn’t just a survivor, but someone who took her voice back. And maybe inspires others to do the same.’

I close my eyes, take a breath, and I see it.

Me, standing in front of a room. Face no longer hidden. Speaking up. I feel fear, sure. Nerves, too. It’s been so long since I’ve shown myself. Longer still without the fear of ridicule. But beneath it all, I feel something else. Power. Possibility. Pride.

And one name rises to the surface: Theo.

Because he was the first to believe I could do this. Even when he faltered, it wasn’t doubt – it was fearforme. He wasn’t trying to silence me. He was trying to shield me from someone else’s venom.

And wouldn’t I do the same for him? Stand between him and anyone who’d try to hurt him? God, yes. In a heartbeat.

He’s not Danny.

He’snothinglike Danny.

But I let my pain speak for me. And I let him think I believed the worst.

Because in reality, Iwasterrified. Not of Danny, but of him. Terrified that he was going to break my heart again.

I ended it, not because of what he did. I ended it because ultimately, it meant leaving on my terms. Staying in control. And then I wielded that control like a weapon, hurting Theo in the process.Now who’s like Danny…

My breath escapes me in a rush.

‘Sadie?’ Lucile prompts softly.

‘Yes.’ I nod swiftly. ‘Let’s do it. Let’s go public.’

Her perfectly made-up lips stretch into a smile. ‘Excellent. Let’s get into the details.’

‘Actually…’ I’m already rising. ‘Would you mind if we did this another day? There’s somewhere I need to be.’

Because I can’t bear another second of him thinking the worst – thinkinghe’sthe worst – because ofme.

I owe him the truth, myfulltruth. Even if it means reliving the heartbreak I’ve been trying to run from the moment I crashed back into his life with my daughter in tow.

He may not want my love, but there’s no escaping it.

My heart was always meant for him.

Minutes later, I flee the fancy tower block, heart racing, feet pounding. Mike gestures to the blacked-out Range Rover pulling up, and I make a beeline for it.

But the moment it stops, the rear door swings open –huh?