“Relax,” I said, forcing a laugh. “I’m just messing with you. Of course, I appreciate everything you’ve done. You’re the only one who really gets
it.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he leaned back in his chair, his smirk slowly returning. “Good. Because if we’re going to make this work, you need to trust me. Veronica won’t know what hit her. And as for Mrs. Grayson, leave her to me.”
I nodded, but my mind was racing. Trust him? Not a chance. Ryan was a
snake, just like me. And if he thought I wasn’t already plotting my own. backup plan, he was dead wrong.
“You’re right,” I said sweetly. “Let’s focus on the plan.‘
For now, I’d play nice.
群
“So tell me, what exactly do you have against Mrs Grayson? Let me guess, Carter is not the real heir?” I asked and he rolled his eyes.
“Not everyone is into pregnancy fraud like you, Meghan. Besides, if I tell you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, would it?” He smirked and I frowned.
“Okay, first of all, you didn’t have to rub it in my face and secondly, we’re partners, aren’t we?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he chuckled. “But just not to that level. You see, there is a level of confidentiality and professionalism needed in this job,” he said and I huffed.
“Unbelievable! Professionalism in blackmail? Confidentiality from your partner? Are you being serious?”
“Let’s face it Meghan, you wouldn’t even be my partner if I didn’t have something on you too,” he stated.
Fair.
Either way, I was going to find out.
Chapter 66
Suspicion
Veronica’s POV
“i don’t know why he keeps stalking me. Can you imagine he dropped gifts in my car? What does he take me for!” I demanded,
1 couldn’t control my anger because that was what Carter did to me. He made me angry. I wanted him out of my life by all means but every time I thought I was making progress, he would hit me back with shock. He was like a cancer that wouldn’t go away.
“Orthon, you need to help me talk to him, otherwise I will be forced to inform my father that he is harassing me and he will be out back in jail where he belongs,” I threatened.
“There is no need to sound that way, Vee. I promise you that I will definitely talk to him and get him to leave you alone,” Orthon promised. “He just got out go jail, I can’t let him go back there.”
“Then why he is trying so hard to come back into my life? Doesn’t he understand that I have moved on?” I hissed.
Orthon’s expression immediately turned mischievous.
“Have you though?” He countered and I felt my anger melting away at the way his eyes pierced into mine. He took a step forward, his eyes raking through me. Even while I was fully clothed, his gaze will managed to make me feel exposed.
maken
“You know what I mean, Orthon,” i cleared my throat awkwardly, stepping away from him to put down distance between us. Everytime he
got so close to me, it was as if my entire nervous and circulatory system just stopped working.
Which was a very bad sign when you are trying to protect your heart.
“No. I don’t.” he sighed. “While I don’t mean to rush you into taking any decision. I want you to at least consider it. If you were officially mine, there is no way in the world Carter or any man would get the opportunity to come close to you, not talk of bothering you.”
I tried to not to look away even though my face was flaming.
“Vee… how long are you going to deny me your heart? What do I need to do to prove that I am good enough for you? Mention it and I will get it done.” he said and I felt a little guilty.
Orthon was already every woman’s dream. He didn’t need to do anything extra to prove that. The problem was me. I was just not ready.
“You know what, forget I said anything,” he cut short my thinking. “I don’t want to pressurise you into accepting me. I will wait until you can trust me enough to give me your heart.
“Orthon, it’s not about you. It’s about me,” I said, my voice softer than before. I could see the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but I needed him to understand. “You’re amazing, truly, and any woman would be lucky to have you. But my heart… it’s still healing. It’s hard for me to let someone in after everything I’ve been through.”
He nodded, his expression unreadable. “I get that, Vee. I do. But I just want you to know I’m here for you, no matter what. Even if all you want is friendship, I’ll take it. But don’t expect me to stop trying to win you
over.”
I managed a small smile. “Orthon, you make it impossible to be mad at you. But let’s just focus on Carter for now, okay? He’s the real problem
here.”
He sighed, running a hand through his thick, dark hair. “Fine. I’ll talk to him. But if he doesn’t back off, you have to promise me you’ll let me handle it my way.
“And what exactly is your way?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
His lips curled into a smirk, and the mischievous glint returned to his eyes. “Let’s just say it won’t involve words.”
I rolled my eyes, though a part of me was grateful for his protectiveness. “Orthon, I don’t want you getting into trouble because of me.”
“I won’t. Trust me,” he said, stepping closer again. His voice dropped. lower, more serious. “But I won’t let anyone hurt you, Vee. Not Carter,
not anyon
The intensity in his words made my heart skip a beat. I nodded, unable to hold his gaze any longer. “Fine. But please, don’t escalate things unless you absolutely have to.”
“I’ll do my best,” he promised. “Anyways, there’s something else I’d like to discuss with you.”
“What could that be?” I asked, genuinely curious. A part of me suspected it was going to be about Arie. I was actually starting to like her.
She was thoughtful, witty and sarcastic and the best part, she had zero. interest in Orthon. She was using him to raise her baby and she didn’t. even try to hide it. It was adorable though.
“You might not like this…” he started out slowly and I began to wonder if this was even about Arie.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I… I just think that maybe…maybe you could forgive your step mother? She has been in jail for quite a while and I’m certain she has definitely learnt her lessons…” he trailed off, waiting for my reaction.
Yeah it didn’t make me happy. But I had forgotten all about her. I didn’t even remember my father locked her up.
“Maybe you should ask my father,” I told Orthon, resisting the urge to ask him why he suddenly cared about her. The bitch deserved to rot where she was.
“I intend to but I know he is going to direct me to you which is why I came to you first. Forgive her please. Betty Meshach is just an overly emotional woman who acts before she even thinks about it. Please give her another chance…” he pleaded.
I let out a sigh. I had a very bad feeling about this. I was way more comfortable with her behind bars.
“She almost killed me, Orthon…” I whispered.
“I know, but I promise you that it won’t happen again. Please just this last chance.” he pleaded.
“Fine, you can get her out but if she does anything out of line…”
“I will take full responsibility for it!” He completed before I could even finish my statement.
Something about his eager response made me suspicious. I know Orthon wasn’t the type to hide things but this was a little out of the blue.
He soon noticed I was staring at him.
“What’s the matter?” He asked me.
“Just wondering why you suddenly want her released. You were the same
11
person who promised me that she would rot in jail. You called the police. so why the sudden change of heart. Orthon?” I asked. “Are you hiding something from me?”
Chapter 67
His wife
Orthon’s POV
“Hiding something from you? Don’t be silly, Vee. What could I possibly be hiding from you?” I asked. Her concerns were valid.
Betty and I weren’t exactly fans of each other either but she had called me. today to plead that I beg Veronica on her behalf. It was a very surprising request, especially since Betty was very arrogant.
She made me understand that she didn’t hurt Veronica on purpose. She was just angry and impulsive and couldn’t bring herself to face it when she realized that Veronica was dying.
It was a logical thing to do, anyone might have done same. I didn’t bring up the fact that she could have simply taken her to the hospital because I already knew her response.
ww
“Please Orthon, ‘I was afraid and didn’t want her dying on me. Meshach would never forgive me.”
I didn’t want to argue with her or push her further and just agreed to go with her story.
Afterall, in every lie, there is an element of truth in it.”
“Then why?” Veronica asked
“Because she called me today to beg. She is deeply sorry and truly wants. a second chance to make amends,” I told her.
At first, her expression was stoic but then she burst into laughter.
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“Are you being serious right now?” She exclaimed.
“As serious as can be, Veronica. Your step–mother is sorry. She just acted out of jealousy and fear,” I tried explaining to her.
“You are so naive, Orthon. That woman can never change. Women like Betty are snakes. The minute they feel threatened by you, they will go to any length to take you out of their way!” she stated.
I was surprised by her choice of words. Betty was many things but she wasn’t capable of committing murder. She couldn’t.
“Please,” I took her hand. “Just give her a chance to right her wrongs please. Besides, it will be very beneficial to you too. You know, one big happy family?”
She let out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll ask my father.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “So our plans for the weekend, does it still stand?”
She feigned confusion. “Plans? I don’t remember planning anything with you.”
“You know I can see through the act right? Am I getting you a dress or not?”
“No, you’re not.”
“Why? You’re not busy,” I stated.
“And you’re not being persuasive,” she retorted. “And who said I don’t work on weekends?”
I let out a sigh, even though the situation was somewhat amusing.
“Fine!“. I went down on one knee. “Your highness, would you please go on a date with me?”
“I’ll think about it,” she shrugged and made to walk away but I caught her arm. “Don’t do that to me, Vee.”
Her soft hazel eyes searched mine.
“I’m just kidding, Orthon. You don’t have to look so serious,” she snorted. “I would absolutely love to go on a date with you.
“Great, I’ll pick you up at what… seven? Eight?”
“You said it was an ice cream date!”
A puzzled expression crossed my face. Okay this woman was seriously confusing me.
“Didn’t you say you wanted a dress? That you deserve a fancy restaurant?” I asked and she bit her lip.
“I did say that but I think your idea was fun,” she said quickly and looked away to evade the glare I was going to throw at her. However, I found myself chuckling because her actions were adorable.
“I’m still getting you the dress but we could start by 3pm, but there’s a catch,” I said and her eyes immediately widened. I was tempted to ask her what she was thinking but I decided it was better I didn’t know.
Her eyes lit up like a kid waiting for candy. She was so beautiful.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that?” She asked.
“Nothing, just admiring how beautiful you are,” I said and her cheeks.
turned red.
“So tell me what are you going to do about Aric. Did she really go to her baby daddy’s house?” She asked, trying to escape the conversation.
J chuckled. Now that was a funny place to stir.
