Page 150 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“If you believed it got you out of your current predicament....”

“Don’t be stupid.” She snapped.

“If you didn’t do it then who did?” Alfred asked coldly.

“Someone who’s trying to split me and Cole up.” Maddie said.

“And why would they be looking to do that?” Alfred asked.

“Because they want Cole.” Maddie retorted feeling like it was more than damn obvious.

“So you have competition?” He stated and Maddie snarled before she could stop herself.

“She’s not competition. She’s not a threat. She’s just been playing games and that’s what this is, another roll of the dice.”

“So what are you asking Maddison? Are you asking me not to hit the trigger?” He said and she could hear the amusement in his voice. He was enjoying this, despite the shit it was putting him in, he was enjoying making her squirm.

“Yes.” She said.

“And what do I get in return?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” She snapped. “What more do you want? I’m already doing everything you asked.”

“And now I have more demands.” He said.

“Like what?”

“For starters, I want this situation cleared up. I’m not losing my wife over this.”

“I didn’t realise you cared so much for her.” Maddie retorted.

“I can replace her easily enough but I won’t lose the millions it will cost me to go through a divorce.”

“Nice.” Maddie snapped. “So what do you want?”

“I’m going to release a statement, I’m going to say exactly who you are, that you’re my daughter and I expect you to support me.”

Maddie narrowed her eyes and without meaning too she caught Cole’s look.

“Fine.” She muttered. “But don’t expect any big father-daughter shit out of it.”

“Oh I do. We’re making it official Maddison. We’re gold plating this. I want the world to see that you are my daughter and that there was nothing more nefarious going on.”

“I’m not doing that. I work for BlackWater I can’t have my face plastered all the god damn press.”

“But you will meet my wife.”

“What?”

“You will meet her and we will all play happy families, you, me, Cynthia, and Kelsey.”

“Urgh.” Maddie muttered.

“If you don’t agree then you’ll only force my hand…”

“You know what I’ve had enough.” Cole growled and Maddie gasped staring at him.

“Who was that?” Alfred said.

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