And just like that…everythingI’d achieved would be hooked into this with an asterisk.
But you’d have Jaxon.
The thought came uninvited—and stayed.
That was the problem.
Because I wanted him.
Not in the neat, controlled way this was supposed to be.Not in the “mutually beneficial arrangement” we agreed on.
Something messier than that.
And I didn’t know what to do with that.
Did I know if there would even be an us after this?No.
Did I want the chance to find out?
…Yes.
My lips pressed together as I let out a quiet breath, shaking my head slightly.
But was I really going to let Lori decide that for me?
No.Absolutely not.
I wasn’t stupid.And I definitely wasn’t desperate.Nothing good came from giving in to someone like her.If there was one thing I’d learned, it was that you didn’t reward manipulation—yououtmaneuveredit.
Still… that didn’t mean I had a plan.
So instead of going to Jaxon’s studio yesterday, I stayed home with my trusty whiteboard and tried to think my way out of this like I always did.
BLACKMAIL DEFENSE
Option 1: End it publicly
Pros — I control the narrative
Cons — She still has leverage, and I hand her exactly what she wants
Option 2: Call her bluff
Pros — I keep control
Cons — If she follows through, everything blows up in my face
Option 3: Tell Jaxon
Pros — We'll figure it out together
Cons — If this gets worse, he might get dragged into it too
I stared at that last one longer than I should have because the last thing I wanted to do was hurt him.If anything Lori said was true, Chase would be looking for any way to get even.I just… didn’t know how to do this without handing over more than I was ready to lose.
So yes, I was at an impasse.
I stepped closer to the edge of the overhang, letting the cool mist brush against my skin.My gaze dropped to my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen.
