Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
I nodded. “Yes, I believe so.”
He leaned back in his chair. There was a strange expression on his face, the first sign of suspicion and doubt. His fingers played with the knife as he spoke. “This is a dramatic change of heart for you. What happened to cause this 180 degree turn?”
Let the real acting begin. I looked down as if I was ashamed, then up again so I could see his expression.
“It’s a bit humiliating, but you’re an old friend so I’ll tell you. He’s been secretly having sex with strangers he meets online. More fool me to expect a leopard to change its spots, huh?”
“Mmm… yes,” he muttered distractedly.
“I’m so furious. He’s really let the school down bad. I wish there was something I could do, but there isn’t.”
“Hmmm…”
The waiter came back with the martinis. He wanted to know if we were ready to order, but Robert waved him away.
“Anyway,” I said, “I’m glad I got all that off my chest. It’s time for me to finally move on.”
“Yes, yes, good.” He raised his glass to his lips and took a sip. “So… uh… did he ever reveal anything about his plans for revenge?”
I frowned, as if I was trying to recollect a memory. “Well, I once saw a file with your company’s name on it on his desk. I didn’t open it, of course, but I kinda wish now I had. It’s wrong what he did to you and what he is still planning to do. I’m sorry, Robert, I didn’t look. You’ve been good to me and I’ve never done anything to repay you.”
“Hmm… I suppose now that Max has let you down, you need another benefactor, don’t you?”
I nodded. “Yes, we do.”
“I could help…” He let his voice trail away.
I widened my eyes. “Really?”
“Yes, and… perhaps in return, only if you wanted to, you could help me find out how Max is planning to ruin my business.”
“Oh, that would mean me seeing him again,” I murmured doubtfully.
“Don’t worry.” Watching me keenly, he smiled bravely. “It’s okay. I never want to force you to do anything that would make you feel uncomfortable. No, of course not. I’ll find another way to save my business and myself.”
I pretended to think for a few seconds, before I spoke again. “You know what, I’ll do it for you. You’ve always been good to me and you deserve the same loyalty from me. I won’t sleep with him again, but I’ll try to get close to him and this time when he talks about you I won’t shut the conversation down, but encourage him to tell me more. It’ll be easy enough for me as he still wants to see me, it’s just he wants those other women too.”
“My God, Savannah. That would be great.” There was a big smirk on his face.
“Feels like I’m spying on him though,” I ventured tentatively. My capitulation shouldn’t seem too easy.
He leaned forward eagerly. “Of course, you are not spying on him. Think about it, Savvie. The man wants to destroy me. You’re doing the right thing to stop him. Not only are you helping me, you’re helping the school, and those poor kids that don’t have anyone else but you.”
I nodded slowly, consideringly. “You’re right. What he is planning to do to you is wrong.”
He leaned back and considered me gravely. “Thank you, Savannah. I will never forget what you’re doing for me.”
Our conversation was interrupted by our server coming to take our orders. I stayed silent and Robert ordered for both of us. As soon as the waiter left, he turned his attention back to me.
“I want you to be very careful. I don’t think you are in any danger from him, but it's better to be safe than sorry.”
“I’ll be careful. In fact, I might even be able to take some photos of his files for you.”
His eyes shone with excitement. “My God, Savvie, that would be amazing. If you can get your hands on some of those files I’m sure I’ll be able to turn the tables on him. With your help I’ll defeat him. I feel that in my bones.”
“All right. I’ll do that for you.”
“Well, let me start showing you my appreciation right now.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”
“Every girl likes a spa day. You choose where. You choose when. I’ll foot the bill. You know money is no object to me, so choose the best. I’ll throw in a few extra thousand for a shopping trip as well. What do you say?”
I looked into his cunning eyes and felt a sense of exhilaration at the freedom I now had from his lies and schemes. Was this how easily he had manipulated all the parties four years ago? As Max had predicted, he had simply reached for the wallet he had inherited from his father.