“Tristan.” She nods, though he can’t see her.
"I have a problem." I explain Sam’s video to him, along with his accusations.
I sense Tristan listening actively. When I’m done speaking, he takes afew seconds to reply. His lawyer’s brain must be assessing the situations from all angles and deciding on the best way forward.
Tristan also knows about the truth of my situation, for it’s he who drafted the NDA for me.
"How the hell did he find out about this?" I rub at my temple. "Only you, me, and Harper know about it." I frown.
"There might be a leak…in my office," he says grimly. "I assume, there is a money trail?"
I squeeze Harper’s arm. Then rise to my feet and reach among the shirts, which are all in shades of white. I pull on the first one I find.
"I didn’t think there was any need to hide it. Besides, Harper’s my wife. I transferred enough money into her account so she could pay off her debts, enroll her niece in the best private school, and move her sister into a better house."
I pull on my socks and shoes. I need to shave but fuck that.
I take my seat next to Harper again and pull her close. She comes willingly. She melts into my side. My entire body feels like it’s glowing with satisfaction. It feels like it’s the two of us against the world. We’re a unit. A family. I’m struck with a feeling of rightness so strong; it’s like a physical punch to my chest.
I swallow.
Tristan goes on to say, "He wanted your attention. He got it. And the attention of all the Hamiltons. We don’t let anyone fuck with one of ours. People like this want only one thing?—"
"Money. Which he’s not going to get. I’m not going to let him blackmail me. I need you to find out everything about him. There must be something in his background you can use as leverage." I crack my neck.
“You can bet, I’m going to find out.” Tristan’s voice is grim.
"I want him to regret coming after Harper. He tried to smear my wife’s name; I won’t take that lightly."
Next to me, Harper shifts restlessly.
"Leave it with me.” Tristan’s voice is gravelly, with barely concealed excitement.
This is his sport. He can smell weakness the way a shark smells blood. Give him a flaw, and he’ll pry it open with surgical precision. Exactly what I need.
"I want him to pay. I need that video taken down immediately,” I growl.
"Stay tuned for an update." He disconnects.
“How did Sam Miller get access to that information?” Harper turns to me.
"Tristan will find out." I draw her to me and kiss her forehead.
"Let’s get a coffee before we talk further." I rise to my feet and pull her up with me. Then I lead her downstairs.
Malice prances toward us, sniffs, then walks away. She’s in a mood today.
I head to the espresso machine, froth the milk just how she likes it, and place the latte in front of her.
Then I pour myself a long black. And take a seat at the counter next to her.
She takes a sip of her coffee. Then, as if remembering something, she reaches for her bag and pulls out her phone.
"Damn, my phone was on silent." She shows me her phone screen.
There are three missed calls, from different members of the team.
Word must be spreading. They must have noticed the video.
