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“Yeah.”
I inhale. Exhale. Chew the inside of my cheek. “I found out who leaked the investigation to the press.”
“Really?”
“It was Nathaniel Stewart.”
I watch her reaction closely. See her eyes widen. Her lips part. “Seriously?”
“I trust my source.”
“Why would he do that?”
I hold her gaze. “I think you know why.”
Her hazel eyes widen. “I told you.Nothinghappened between us.”
“I know. I believe you. He and my father were working on a deal. I put an end to it.”
“Because of me?”
“Because of you,” I confirm.
“Why?”
“Because you’re mine.”
She scoffs. “Real mature, Crew.”
“It was also a risky deal. But I wouldn’t have bothered if it were with anyone else.”
“Is there a point to this conversation?” Her tone has turned sharp. Icy.
I seethe, silently. “Nathaniel claims he has documents.Internaldocuments. Documents like…the ones you requested.”
She sucks in a sharp breath. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“I’m not accusing you of anything. Itrust you, Scarlett. I just need to know…did you tell him anything about the company? Is there anything he could use or twist or bluff—”
She stands, toppling half the pillows off the couch. “I can’t believe you. Are you seriously asking me this?”
I stand too. “I’m in the dark here, Scarlett. This…tornadojust landed right on top of the company I’m first in line to inherit. People are relying on me. To lead, to keep their jobs, to save this company. If there’s anything you know, I just…”
My voice trails when I realize a horrifying fact.
She’s crying. Clear liquid streaks down her cheeks in shimmering trails. “I’mthe reason you’re first in line.”
I step forward. “Red…”
She steps back, swiping angrily at her cheeks. “Fuck. You. Why don’t you just make me wear a wire if you think I’m going around spilling company secrets to any guy that so much as smiles at me?”
I rub my jaw, trying to figure out where this conversation veered so far off course. I didn’t want to bring Nathaniel up. I knew it would be a sore spot. But I had no idea it would becomethis. “That’snotwhat I’m saying. I trust you. I just—”
“There’s nojust, Crew. You’re doubting me, and I’veneverdoubted you. I can’t believe I—” She shakes her head. “Anything Nathaniel knows about Kensington Consolidated, he didn’t learn it from me. Happy?”
I’m about the furthest from happy a person can get right now. “No.”
“Yeah. Me neither. Merry fucking Christmas.”
