Page 149 of My Only

“Yeah,” I confirmed, nodding. “And she was very clear that an affair was what she was aiming for. It was her motivation for sabotaging the project.”

Bryant let out a scoffing laugh, rubbing the inner corners of his eyes.

“While all the other things she’s done are surprising…” He sighed. “I wish I could say the same for this.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

Bryant tilted his head. “Harper has a tendency to aim a little too high, if you know what I mean.”

My brows furrowed. “She’s done this before?”

“Never to this extent but, yes. She’s done this before. The…” He gestured vaguely. “Propositioning, as you politely put it.”

A knot formed in my stomach.

“Another employee mentioned she did this with him, too.” I exhaled, referring to Levi. “Are you saying there are more besides him and I?”

“Yes.” Bryant’s jaw ticked. “Me.”

I jerked my head back. “You? For real?!”

So this wasn’t just about me.

This wasn’t a one-time lapse in judgment on Harper’s part.

She had a pattern. A strategy.

Levi had hinted at something similar, but I had been so damn convinced I had control. That I could manage the situation.

But in reality?

I was just another pawn in her game.

And the worst part?

I let her play me.

All those nights I told Ayla there was nothing to worry about… that she was overthinking?

I was wrong.

I should have listened to her. I should have trusted her instincts. Instead, I let Harper string me along like a fool… and now?

I was paying the price.

Bryant’s gaze shifted toward the glass door of his office.

Without a word, he pushed himself out of his seat, heading toward it.

“Harper was a recommended hire.” He pushed the heavy glass door closed, securing it. “This was two years ago, one of the first projects I was hands-on with in a long time. She was the interior designer for the project.”

I sat up, listening.

“She tried with me.” He exhaled. “And failed miserably.” He shook his head. “Beyond being happily married, I don’t sleep with my employees. It’s undisciplined, trite, and severely bad for business. And…” His voice softened. “I just love my wife.”

My chest tightened.

“I love my wife too,” I echoed, my voice rough. “Which is why all of this is so fucked up.” I scrubbed a hand down my face. “Pardon me.”

---