We talked for over an hour. She asked hard questions and I gave honest answers. Yes, the age gap was significant. Yes, a relationship with three men was unconventional. Yes, I understood why people were concerned. But I also made it clear that our love did not have to follow rules or fit into a neat little box. Dante, Alexander, and Julian treated me with more respect and care than any man my own age ever had. Our relationship was built on mutual trust, honest communication, and genuine affection.
When Maggie finally clicked off her recorder, she sat back in her chair and studied me. Her expression gave nothing away. This was the moment where she decided if she believed me.
I had nothing left to say. I held her gaze and waited.
“I’ve been doing this for twenty-three years. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people. Politicians. CEOs. Celebrities. I’ve learned to tell when someone is lying. And I believe you’re telling the truth.” A smile transformed her severe features. “I believe you, and more importantly, I think my readers will too.”
The breath I’d been holding rushed out. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I’m going to write what I heard, which means I’ll also include the legitimate concerns about workplace relationships, but I’ll make sure your voice, your truth, is heard.”
It was all I’d hoped for. I stood and shook her hand before making my way back through the lobby and to the waiting car.
My nerves sparked and thrummed a delicious beat as we drove toward Elevate. This time when we parked, I had no trouble leaving the car and powerwalking my way into the building I hadn’t entered in months. The lobby buzzed with its usual activity. People in suits rushed around. Phones rang, and even more people crowded into the coffee corner.
Conversations died mid-sentence when I walked in. Heads turned, and dozens of pairs of eyes tracked my movement. I lifted my chin and kept walking, right up to the elevator and into the enclosed space. I grinned as I pressed the button, then gave a little wiggle of my fingers as the doors closed.
My smile grew with every floor I ascended, so that by the time the doors opened, I could barely contain my laughter.
Bethany stood behind the reception desk, her blonde hair perfect and her makeup flawless as always. Her eyes went wide when I stepped out, then narrowed in something that looked remarkably like hatred.
I hoped she choked on it.
She hurtled out from behind the desk. “You can’t go in there. You don’t work here anymore. Your access has been revoked.”
I kept going, making my way to Dante’s office, where they waited for me, along with a few guests. I walked into his office and straight to Dante’s side with every ounce of confidence I possessed.
This was it, the moment we’d all been waiting for.
Bethany burst in behind me, breathless and red-faced. “What the hell is she doing here?”
“Whatever the fuck she wants.” Julian smirked.
Two police officers stepped forward, the one closest to me taking the lead. “Bethany Whitacre?”
She paled and took a step back. “Yes?”
“You’re under arrest for harassment, stalking, and extortion.” That last one was a stretch, but we’d let the lawyers and judge sort it out. He reached for the handcuffs on his belt. “You have the right to remain silent.”
“What?” Bethany’s screech cut through the officer’s words. “This is insane. You can’t arrest me, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You sent Ms. Bloom threatening text messages.” The second officer stepped forward to back up his partner. “You paid multiple staff members to plant hidden cameras on privateproperty and illegally in the hotel. You then sold footage obtained from those cameras to the press.”
Bethany took a step back, then another, like she thought if she could make it to the door she’d be okay. “That’s…I didn’t.” Her gaze darted around the room. “You can’t prove that.”
“You just did.” I flicked a hand in her direction.
Her head thrashed side to side. “No.”
Julian pulled out his phone and held up the screen. “We have proof. My PI is very thorough.” He didn’t list out everything we’d found. Let her stew in it, not knowing what we could or could not pin on her.
I’d never heard anything more satisfying than the clink of handcuffs locking around her wrists.
She lost it. Screaming. Crying. Cajoling. She fought the officers pulling her from the room. “This isn’t fair. I’ve loved Dante for years. I did everything for you. I worked late. I covered for you. I made your life easier, and you never looked at me. Not once.”
Dante looped his arm over my shoulders. “Because I was never interested. You need to accept that and move on.”
“Move on?” She spat the words at him. “To what? To watching you throw your life away for her? She’s nothing. How could you pick someone like her over me? She’s nothing special.”
