“Lettie, I might be a failure when it comes to relationships. But I excel at my job. I can dress a woman.”
“Yeah, of course. Thank you, Caroline!”
“Just drive safe! And fast!”
***
Ten minutes out from Pemberley offices, anothercall comes in. My screen reads: Lydia Bennet. What’s with all the random calls today?
“Lydia, I don’t have time for this. I’m trying to clean up the mess you made.”
“That’s why I called. I didn’t do it! I didn’t give anyone that photo. But I have information that might be useful.”
“Yes?”
“It was Noah who got those pictures and the story to that TikTok girl.”
“But how?”
“Remember that date I missed Saturday night? It was with Noah. We rescheduled, and I stayed at his place Sunday. I promise, Lettie, I had no idea about his history with Liam. Or I would have never. He wasn’t even worth it.”
“Are you saying he took that photo off your phone... ”
“Yeah, and... ” Lydia’s normally brash voice goes small. “He took some other photos too—private ones.”
“He didn’t! The scumbag!”
“He did! He put them up on a site to make money. That’s why I suspect he shared the photo of you and Liam.”
“Lydia, I’m so sorry this happened to you. That’s terrible.”
“I was dumb; I shouldn’t have left those photos on my phone.”
“No, you can’t be blamed for this. It’s Noah’s fault. The blame lies with the perpetrator, not the victim.”
“If I ever see him again, I will get my revenge. I’m going to make him wish he were never born.” Ah, there’s the old Lydia.
“I pity the man.”
“Nah . . . he doesn’t deserve pity.”
“You’re right. Lydia, I’m just sorry you’re dealing with this. What can I do?” I pull into the Pemberley parking lot.
“I don’t need help. I’m only calling because I saw you on the news and realized I had info that might be useful.”
“Yes?” I park the car.
“Noah bragged that his dad was next in line to take over Pemberley, and he had a plan to make it happen.”
“That is helpful.” I turn off the car and hop out. “Thank you, Lydia.”
I rush into the building. Caroline and Ms. Reynolds wait for me in the lobby, both looking all business.
“I understand you were trying to get home for your sister’s birthday,” Liam’s assistant tells me. How does she know this? Did I tell Caroline? I don’t think so. She must have talked to Liam. The thought flusters me. “Coming back for this meeting will make you late. I took the liberty to buy you a plane ticket for tonight.”
“Thank you! That means a lot.” I want to say more but Caroline interrupts me.
“Here’s your outfit and shoes,” she hands me a black garment bag and a pair of T-strap black heels with red stitching. I’m instantly in love with the shoes. “Carmen will be by soon to help with hair and makeup.”
