M_Jay: What time will you be home tomorrow?
Forcing the spiralling thoughts from my head, I channelled my newlywed persona. No need to worry him about this now. I’d wait until we were face to face, which would also save him having to scrub all the evidence of it from our text chat.
Ru_Snack_XXXplores: I think I’ll come home early. Kat has school tomorrow, so there’s nothing keeping me here
M_Jay: I have to go into the office tomorrow
M_Jay: I’m so sorry
I blinked against the prickling in my eyes.
Ru_Snack_XXXplores: That’s ok! You’re allowed to have a job. You’re not JUST my husband, you know
M_Jay: Come into the office tomorrow, we’ll go to brunch. I don’t want to wait until after work to see you again
Ru_Snack_XXXplores: You really are missing me, aren’t you?
I stared at the dots, a smile forming, chasing away some of the haunted feelings. I could almost pretend this was real, and he actually missed me, and it wasn’t just an act.
M_Jay: More than you could possibly imagine.
M_Jay: Goodnight, Catnip xxx
BREAKING NEWS: WEDDED BLISS TURNS TO WET BLISS ON BOARD THE GIRL ON FIRE.
Henry Baxter, adult app wiz and Sydney’s most sought-after billionaire, seemed oblivious to the world as he enjoyed his personal swim spa with his lovely wife.
The wife in question, mysterious Tickle creator Ru_Snack_XXXplores, has continued to make her signature ‘self-love’ content even after news of her marriage to Baxter broke. While not much is known about the young beauty, it’s clear that she enjoys keeping herself fit in the water.
Baxter, no doubt running his multi-billion-dollar empire from the deck of his super yacht, watched on before joining her. Their relaxation quickly turned heated, with TechRaker photographers managing to capture these exclusive images of the pair in a steamy embrace.
While Baxter has been enjoying newlywed life, his business partner, Atlas Prideaux, has been hard at work strengthening Tickle’s connections with Silicon Valley. Given the profile of the app and its worldwide reach, might there be a possibility of Tickle HQ moving stateside?
The pair have always insisted that they are running an Australian business, and that they want to support a growing tech industry Down Under. However, a move would allow the business to scale, reduce costs and take Tickle to the next level. Rumour has it that their mysterious investor is pushing for this eventuality.
When a decision will be made on any potential move is anyone’s guess, but speculation is rife that with both Prideaux and Baxter at this stage confirmed to attend the Appies in San Francisco later in the year, an announcement might follow shortly after.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The Real Gold Digger
HENRY
Tension clenched every muscle in my body as the elevator soared up to the top floor of Tower One at Barangaroo—Tickle HQ. Although according to TechRaker’s article this morning, it might not be for much longer.
I’d chosen this office space because the International Towers development was world-renowned for its sustainability, innovative workspace design and natural light—one thing that could never ever be undervalued in my opinion. The thought of giving all of this up, of moving our entire operation to the United States, seemed ludicrous to me.
But it never had to Atlas. Rage burned in my veins as the doors opened into the Tickle atrium. Sunlight streamed in, bouncing off the vibrant greens of the indoor plants that dotted the lounge space and the reception desk.
“Oh, morning, Henry!” Jaxxon, our receptionist, practically launched himself out from behind his desk. “How’s the wife? You managed to keep her under wraps!”
“None of your bloody business,” I muttered under my breath. “Is Atlas in?”
Jaxx sobered instantly, nodding. “He’s in a meeting, though. Do youwant me to send him a message to come to your office when he’s done?”
“Unnecessary,” I barked, surging into the office. Everyone, from coders to admin staff, stared at me across the open-plan space as I stormed past. A couple got to their feet, smiling until I scowled at them. Vaguely I noticed a bunch of balloons in the corner, a big ‘Congratulations’ sign and a cake at the kitchenette. I wondered who they were all for but didn’t have time to stop and ask.
I was on a mission to confront Atlas.
