Page 141 of In Case You Didn't Know

Her jaw tightens. “I’m just trying to figure out what Asher sees in you. You’re so…messy.”

I step inside without being invited, because manners are wasted on people like her. “I’m here because you’re blackmailing somebody I care about. And you’ve crossed a line.”

Her brows shoot up. “Blackmail is such an ugly word,” she says lightly. “Besides, it’s not my fault you two decided to turn his security system into your own version of Only Fans.”

My cheeks heat up but I don’t blink. “If you liked them that much, maybe you’re the one who should be paying for them.”

Her eyes narrow. “Oh sweetheart,” she says. “You think this is about you? I had him first. I know his body better than my own. He used to wake me up with his mouth between my thighs.” She tips her head to the side. “He never made me do it myself, not like you.”

I take a long breath in.Don’t let her get in your head.

She wants me flustered. Off balance. Small.

Too bad for her I’m done feeling that way.

“You really think this is about sex?” I ask, taking a step closer. “That what you had with Asher even comes close to what we have?”

Something flickers behind her eyes. I press on.

“Maybe you had his body. But you never had him. And that’s why this is eating you alive.”

She scoffs, but it’s tight. Defensive.

“You really want to do this?” she asks, flicking her hair behind her shoulders. “Because I have those videos. The ones where you’re mouthing his name like a bad lip-syncer. Imagine what people will think. Your family, your friends. Your employer.”

She doesn’t even know who I am, I realize. She doesn’t know me at all.

And that’s her problem.

I stare at her for a beat then laugh. Actually laugh. It bubbles out before I can stop it.

“Do it. Release them. Set up a TikTok channel. Go full influencer if you want. Because I don’t care. I don’t care who sees them. They were made for the man I love and if people don’t understand that, then that’s their problem.” I swallow hard. “That’s the difference between you and me. I don’t build my self-worth on other people’s destruction. I know who I am. I know what I’ve done. And I know who loves me.”

Her lips twist. “You’ll regret this.”

I shake my head. “No, I really don’t think I will. But you will. You’re standing in a glass palace full of nothing but lies and bitterness. And you built it yourself. How does it feel? To know that nobody cares?”

She blinks. But says nothing.

So I give her a smile. The kind women reserve for other women who try to destroy them.

Then I walk out of the door, head high, heart hammering.

And I don’t look back.

ASHER

Hudson paces his office like a caged tiger, his phone to his ear, his jaw clenched so tight I can hear his teeth grinding.

“I don’t care if she’s not answering,” he barks. “Try again. Try everywhere.”

I’m right behind him, calling Jesse for the third time while I review every security log I can find, desperate to figure out what the hell Francie and Skyler are up to.

But Jesse isn’t picking up either now. I throw my phone down, annoyance rising inside me.

West, on the other hand, is leaning back in his chair, his legs crossed, sipping a glass of water like he’s got front row tickets at the theater.

Hudson slams his fist on the desk and West’s lips curl.