Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“What’s that?”
“You. Every single one of them is a project I’ve entered with you. Took a minute to connect the dots, but now it all makes sense.”
I sit up in my seat and fold my hands in front of me. “Did you find where the problem is coming from?”
“We have some thoughts. Your recent increase in investments through Burlington Roth Financial came up. You tripled your profile, and it’s now a topic of discussion.”
I bare my teeth. That has nothing to do with my real estate investments and I don’t know why the two are coming up at all. Yes, I tripled my investments, but that’s because I learned Sidney works for Steinway & Schwartz and she’s great with money. I wanted to see what she could do.
“I’ve made some changes. I don’t see what business that is of anyone’s.”
“Do you think this could be coming from your father?” Brick questions.
I fall back and think this through. My father loathes the fact that my brothers and I have made a way for ourselves but I don’t think the old bastard would go this far.
“Listen, Vault. Sidney James is the name of the account manager I ran those funds through. She’s in charge of my portfolio. If this is my father or someone wanting to fuck with me, I need you to keep an eye out for her name. You hear or see it, I want to be the first to know.”
I get the feeling I may have just shined a light on Sidney, I wish I hadn’t. However, if they go after her, it may be my way in. She’ll need me and I’ll be there waiting.
“Got it. Sidney James. I’ll keep an eye out,” Vault says.
Chapter 2
Small Escape
Sidney
Three years later…
New York City summertime shopping on Madison Avenue —there’s nothing like it. While I move between my favorite shops, the fumes coming from the big old city buses make me feel alive. From the reflection in the window, my oversized tan sun hat and huge black leather handbag speak of the mood I’m in, not just the need to block the sun from pounding down on me.
My cocoa-brown skin can’t take all this heat. As I enter another shop, the arctic blast from the air conditioning hits me in the face. I sigh in relief. It’s more than welcome. I think I’ve soaked right through my cotton blouse.
I’ve been in a mood to go on a shopping spree ever since the big event. That shit still has me in a fog, but oh well. I shove that thought right back where it belongs. The back of my mind.
I always take care of myself and come out on top. This time was no different, even though they intended to crush me. I smile because I got the last laugh.
The atmosphere in this store is like heaven on earth, it’s exactly what I need. The fresh, welcoming scent, the music, the neat and inviting displays and shelves. I hate messy stores.
I remove my hat, holding it in my right hand with my bag. I look like I’m running from the paparazzi. Well, that may not be far from the truth, if things get any worse for me.
Stay positive, Sidney.
I want to escape from the last two weeks and finally find some peace. One of my favorite songs is playing through the speakers, drawing me further into the ambience of the store. I make my way to a rack of gorgeous stretch jeans. The black denim fabric has a shine that sets off the burgundy stitching.
“Yes, this is exactly what I needed for tonight,” I murmur to myself.
I still have no clue where Chloe is taking me. Chloe is the only friend I have here in New York who I can count on. She understands me and doesn’t judge.
As my thoughts turn from Chloe, I find myself lost in the world of shopping. It’s exactly where I want to be. No distractions, just me and my power to purchase. It’s a beautiful thing.
At least those are my thoughts, before being brought back to the real world. While browsing the store, I suddenly feel a small hand on my arm. I stop myself from hissing at the rude disruption.
“Hi, Sidney, how are you?”
I’d know that annoying ass voice anywhere. Oh, my God, I can’t stand this chick. Of all the people to run into, why her?
“Hey, Amanda,” I say her name with no excitement at all. She’s a real dickhead.
As phony as they come. Always in someone’s business with her mouth running to anyone ready to listen. I’ve found her gossiping about many since I’ve known her.
“How are you? Sorry to hear about you being let go by Steinway & Schwartz.”
“It’s okay, Amanda. It’s been almost a year and six months, I’m fine.”
“Oh, okay, because I couldn’t believe the Sidney James was no longer running around the financial district.”