Page 69 of One Pucking Secret
I pause, giving him a look of surprise, as if the realization is just dawning on me. “Wait… what do you mean? You did all this?”
His grin spreads, a satisfied smirk tugging at his mouth. “Yeah. That was all me. I thought the focus would stay on Wyatt. Didn’t expect it to drag you and Jasper into it.”
I let my eyes widen slightly, feigning admiration and disbelief. “Wow. I can’t believe you did that. I’m impressed.”
He chuckles, leaning back as if savoring my reaction. “You haven’t seen anything yet. I can do more damage if you want. Consider it a peace offering.”
I pause, as if mulling over his offer, then nod, lowering my voice. “You’d really do that for me?”
“Of course.” He nods, his grin widening even more. “After what you’ve been put through, it’s the least I can do.”
Alec’s phone buzzes on the bar, and he glances down at it before finishing off his drink. “Let’s exchange numbers,” he says, sliding his phone over. “I’ll work out the details, and we’ll make sure he pays.”
“Sounds good.” I smile, typing in my contact info and sliding his phone back. “I’m glad I ran into you tonight.”
Alec stands with the confidence of someone who thinks he has the upper hand. He leans in close, voice low. “I’ll be in touch,” he says with a wink before disappearing into the crowd.
I exhale, waiting until I’m sure he’s gone, then make my way back to our table. Lainey’s wide eyes meet mine, and I flash a quick thumbs-up.
I settle into my seat, reaching for my phone to ensure the recording is saved. “Got it all.”
“I can’t believe it worked!”
“He was bound to slip up eventually,” I reply, Alec’s proud smirk still fresh in my mind. “He let his jealousy get the best of him.”
“Well,” she sighs, nodding slowly, “Wyatt did take his starting position.”
I pause, almost feeling a pang of sympathy. “I guess so… but still, it’s wrong. He went too far.”
Lainey raises her glass, her eyes glinting with a mix of triumph and disbelief. “And that’s why you’re Luminous’s top publicist.”
The city stretches out before us, endless and alive, as we savor this quiet victory.
“Let’s enjoy this moment,” I say, clinking my glass with hers.
The crisp taste of the cocktail is sweet, almost as sweet as the success we’re savoring. But beneath that sweetness lurks the bitter aftertaste of the game we’re playing—one that’s far from over.
With a few taps, I send Wyatt a message.
Chloe: Mission accomplished.
The three dots of his typing response flash almost instantly—a lifeline pulsing on my screen.
Wyatt: Perfect.Working on mine now.
I exhale, the night air around us like a cool balm.
“Now we wait,” I say, my voice steady with the adrenaline still coursing through my veins.
A smirk plays at Lainey’s lips, an echo of my own resolve. Pocketing my phone, the soft leather of my bag feels like a shield against the storm we’re ready to unleash.
“Imagine his face when he realizes,” Lainey says with a hint of triumph.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I reply, though the image of Alec’s downfall lingers in my mind. “As long as Wyatt’s side goes smoothly, Alec Harding won’t see it coming.”
Chapter 26
Wyatt
