Page 63 of Twice as Forbidden

“You said the kid looked out of place. I need you to describe him.”

“I’d have to think—”

“I need the security footage NOW. I’m pretty sure I know exactly who was there. I just need proof.”

“Sure. I’ll talk with Gary—”

“Make it your top priority today.”

There’s no doubt he hears the bite in my tone. “Of course. I’ll get working on it now.”

I hang up.

I open my email and pull up the contact information Sarah sent over. “Good afternoon, Terra Blueprint Consulting. How may I direct your call?”

“Jackson Blake for Burt Hallstead. I’m sure he’s expecting my call.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Blake. Mr. Hallstead is unavailable.”

“Bullshit, he is. Put him through.”

“I would, but he’s not in. He’s working remotely for some time now.”

“How fucking convenient.”

“I can take a—” I hang up. Figures he’s hiding. Cowardly piece of shit. I tap the edge of the mahogany wood, jaw tight, as I dial a number I’ve worked to scratch out of my memory. Sadly, not hard enough.

“Jackson? Wow, what a—” The sound of her voice sends a chill through my blood.

“Where’s Burt?”

“Hello to you too. God, it’s been years since I’ve heard your—”

“Cut the bullshit, Veronica. Where’s your husband? Or even better, your piece of shit son?”

Her theatrical gasp has me rolling my eyes. Veronica is all drama. My words don’t even phase her. She’s a coldhearted bitch and knows her son is a piece of shit. “Jackson, you haven’t called me in years, and this is how you speak—”

“You know why I haven’t. You’re a manipulative bitch.”

“You don’t mean that. You used to lo—”

“That wasn’t love, baby. That was regret. Thank God your true colors showed. You’ve always been conniving and money-hungry. You did me a favor by making yourself someone else’s problem.” It wasn’t until she left me for Burt that I realized Veronica had always been a predator, revealing her true nature when she discovered I wasn’t getting my share of the pie. “Tell your husband I know, and I’m coming for him.” I slam down the receiver.

“Chill, little lady. It’s fine,” Noah says to my assistant as he walks in.

Sarah rushes in behind him. “Sorry, Mr. Blake. I told him you were on an important call.”

“What’s with all the yelling?” Noah asks.

“None of your business. And if my assistant says I’m busy, don’t barge in—”

“Dude, calm down. I was coming to ask about Georgia. She wasn’t at lunch, and she’s not answering my texts. Did she not come in?”

My hands clench around the edge of my desk. “Noah, I don’t have time to worry—”

“Yeah, but if she still isn’t feeling good, someone should—”

I slam my fists against my desk. “Stop! I do not care. She’s a big girl and doesn’t need babysitters. Now, if you don’t mind, you can get the fuck out of my office!” My chest heaves. I feel like my heart is going to explode. Fuck. “Noah, I—”

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