Page 51 of Celebrity

“Good, now we need to pinpoint how Decker got the information about you running for Senate.”

All of the sudden it hit me. “My God, I think Miller took pictures of the candidacy paperwork that night. The incident happened the day after you stopped by with the forms. And…” I scraped a hand down my face.

“…And that’s the only way anyone outside of our circle would know your plans,” she said, finishing my sentence. “That piece of shit bastard. That’s the reason he uploaded the pictures. He found a political gold mine when he broke into your house.”

“When do you think Sanders will release the pictures to the media?”

“I expect it within the next twenty-four hours. The moment Sanders learned you were considering a run against him, he’d view you as a credible threat, especially with your popularity at an all-time high and his at the lowest it has been in twenty years. He’s going to look for any way possible to discredit you.”

“That bastard would use my violation as a way to defame my character.”

“I told you from the beginning, politics is ruthless, but for a woman, it is twice as brutal. For political capital, my challenger accused me of sleeping my way to the top of my law firm. Those allegations not only hurt my reputation, but my family. I fought back with your help. Now it’s your turn.”

“I guess it has to happen.”

She knew what I meant without me saying it. “Yes.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow morning at the latest. I’ll file the paperwork you left with Tara and by eight a.m. it will be official.”

A lump formed in my stomach. The ball was rolling.

I wanted to take back control of my life, and now I was getting what I wished. Only it was happening leaps and bounds faster than I expected. I had hoped for a few more weeks to work on my marriage and figure out the next steps before making the announcement.

Oh God. How was Devin going to react?

“I’m scared, Tracy. What if…”

She cut me off. “Stop worrying. He’ll stand with you. He loves you. Why do you think my niece is such a bitch to you?”

“Who’s that?” I asked, and then it hit me. “Are you talking about Judge McGregor?”

“How did you not know this? She looks like a younger version of me.”

“I don’t keep up with your family tree.”

“Are you telling me you didn’t investigate the woman who your husband took to a charity gala?”

I felt a growl form in the back of my throat, and it required all my willpower to keep it in. “No. I was more concerned about the demise of my marriage and the fact I lived in our brand-new house alone.”

“You should be happy to know that Karen said she had an absolutely miserable time.”

“Why is that?” My mood lightened a little, and I moved to the kitchen, started the water kettle, and pulled out the French press, adding in a few scoops of coffee.

“Karen reported that the moment he saw you walk in with Veer George, he about lost it. He wanted to leave before the announcer introduced the first auction item.”

I remembered that night vividly. After Devin told me he couldn’t go with me to the gala since it could hurt his career, I’d called Veer. He never failed me and flew up for the event. I couldn’t deny that I had a great time with him, but it wasn’t the same as going with Devin.

When Veer dropped me at home later that evening, I encountered a very agitated Devin, who threw me over his shoulder and fucked me until I barely could speak my name.

“Dev has no right to be jealous.” The kettle beeped, and I poured the water over the coffee grounds. “For crying out loud, Veer’s like a brother to me.”

“Well, your husband thought otherwise. And that was the day Karen discovered you two had a thing going.”

Now I understood her disdain for me. She had to have felt used.

I shot a look toward the bedroom door.Oh Devin, you break hearts without knowing it.

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