Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Her eyes narrow, and I can see her mind working, trying to calculate, to reason her way out. The thought almost amuses me. “You think I’m just going to hand you over some video or photo of me and Ryan? Just like that?”

“Oh, I don’t think it. I know it. Unless, of course, you’re alright with the alternative. I could always release this little masterpiece to the press. ‘CEO’s Mistress Caught Red-Handed.’ Imagine the headlines.”

Emily’s face twists with fury. “You’re insane.”

“Maybe,” I

say. “But I’m not the one who’s spent weeks playing house in the CEO’s bedroom. A married man’s bedroom.”

She clenches her jaw, glancing sideways at James, who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. His gaze shifts between us, and I don’t miss the flare of anger in his eyes. This wasn’t part of his plan either, clearly.

Emily forces a smile, her eyes pleading as she speaks in a syrupy tone that would be convincing if I didn’t know her so well. “Julie, come on. This is all getting out of hand. Isn’t there any way we can just… settle this? Move on?”

“I am moving on,” I say, giving her a long look. “But I need something solid to make it happen on my terms. You’re either going to help me, or I’m going to release everything I have. Two days, Emily. That’s all you’ve got.”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“To you?” I laugh. “Emily, you’ve done this to yourself. All that time, sneaking around, thinking you were untouchable. Did you think you were too clever to ever get caught?”

“It’s called hustling, Julie. I’m pretty sure that’s what you did, bagging a rich boyfriend all those years ago. These rich guys don’t notice poor girls like us. Not unless we throw ourselves at their faces. You’ve had your share of the cake. Don’t be greedy. MBA from Harvard. CMO of a prestigious company, your husband’s company. Now you’ve seen someone better, someone richer. And the hustle must continue. Congratulations to you, Julie. But don’t pretend like this is more than what it is, a gold-digging-”

I raise a hand, cutting her off. “I really don’t care what you think this is, Emily. And spare me the pity party. I left because you’re exactly what he deserves.”

“You can’t blackmail me, Julie. I’m not some… some pathetic little girl who’s just going to roll over.”

I shrug. “What do you think Adeline would do when she sees the news? Your little share of the cake, poof. Gone. No job. No Ryan. You have two days, or the world will see what you really are. And trust me, Emily, I doubt the public will be as sympathetic as you think.”

She grits her teeth, breathing heavily, and I can tell she’s scrambling, trying to think of some way out. But there isn’t one. Not this time.

“Fine. I’ll get you the evidence.”

“Good,” I say, “Oh, and there’s one more thing, James.” I turn to him, noting the nervous twitch in his eye as he meets my

gaze.

“What?” His voice is quiet, almost submissive, as though he knows what’s coming.

“I need you to erase that footage of me and Luke in the company’s supply closet. Don’t act so shocked-that’s the video you sent Emily, right?”

He shifts uncomfortably. “I… I didn’t mean to—it wasn’t… it wasn’t supposed to…” he trails off, lacking any explanation that would make this less pathetic.

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Chapter 209

“Save it. Get dressed. Both of you. We’re going to the surveillance room right now. I want to see that video erased with my own eyes.”

Emily exchanges a look with James, her face as sour as a lemon, but I don’t give her any room to argue. I step back, holding the door open, and gesture for them to get moving. After a long, hesitant moment, they do, fumbling for their clothes in awkward silence, like children who’ve been caught stealing from the cookie jar.

I wait as they button up, straighten themselves out, smooth their hair, all the while casting nervous glances my way. When they’re finally dressed, I nod toward the door. “Shall we?”

Without a word, they walk ahead of me towards the room with monitors. Emily’s heels click against the polished floor, sharp and fast, while James shuffles alongside her, hands jammed into his pockets. I follow, keeping my steps slow, savoring every second of their discomfort.

The surveillance room is dimly lit, cold, with walls lined with screens showing different angles of the office building. A single chair sits in front of the control panel, and I wave at James to take a seat. “Go on, then. Find the footage.”

James sits down, his fingers hovering over the keyboard like he’s afraid the keys might burn him. “Are you sure about this?” he asks. “This is against the rules.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s against the rules to be caught with your pants down at work,” I reply, giving him a look that dares him to argue. “Or would you like me to make another copy of the little scene you and Emily just performed? I’m sure someone out there would find it… compelling.”

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