Page 109 of Stolen Kisses

My eyebrows rose to my hairline. "What? Why?"

“Because then it's going to be easier to keep it from her. Whereas if you know all the details or are involved in the day-to-day things, it'll be easier to slip or to look guilty.”

"You’re right. I didn’t think about that. She found a platform that pairs businesses with investors. I’ll forward you the information.”

“Great,” Knox replied.

“Are we done here?” Finn asked.

“Yes.”

"So you asked us in here to change your mind and then basically told us you're going to get your way either way," Wyatt concluded.

"It's just the Sterling way," Finn said. “We should've realized it from the beginning and not given him a hard time.”

I frowned. "I actually thought you might come up with ways to change my mind, but I'm glad you didn't."

The truth was my brothers were right. I'd already decided before they even stopped inside my office. Hannah needed the money, and I had it in spades. There was no reason for me not to do this. I wanted her to be happy and to have peace of mind. I’d do everything in my power to achieve that.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Hannah

Over the next few weeks, I couldn't believe so many good things were happening to me.

"Honey, you can't think like that," Mom said when I shared my thoughts with her. I'd called her on the way to work, telling her about something amazing that had happened this morning. I’d gotten a message from an investor. I’d also told her everything about my relationship with Chase after we came back from Palm Springs.

"Things were bound to turn around with the inn. But honestly, I’m happiest about you and Chase. I agree with Blair. There were some sparks between you two at the wedding. I'm sure of it. I had a good feeling about it."

That made my heart so happy. I trusted Mom's instincts. She’d never liked my ex.

“And you deserve to be with someone who appreciates you,” she continued.

"Thanks, Mom," I said. "I've arrived at the office. Got to go."

"Sure. Honey, just enjoy all the good things happening to you."

I was doing just that. During the elevator ride to the office, I reread the message from the investor. Boutique Relax Inc. was interested in a partnership. I wanted to dance out of sheer joy. It was October now; maybe I could seal the deal before Christmas. But I was getting ahead of myself.

Once I sat at my desk, I opened the messaging app, intending to give Chase the good news, and found that he’d already written to me.

Chase: Hey, gorgeous. Heads-up, I'm taking you away this evening, probably around eight o'clock.

My face exploded in a smile. My life was utterly perfect.

I typed right back.

Hannah: Perfect. I'm looking forward to it.

I would share the news with him this evening.

***

After about three hours of solid work, I headed to the break room to get myself a coffee. There were surprisingly many people inside it.

A whisper froze the blood in my veins. "The SEC is here. They’re investigating some suspicions of insider trading.”

I turned around, locating the source of the voice. It had come from one of two brokers standing by the far wall. I knew their faces, but I didn't know them by name.

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