“Okay.” I gave Devon my contact information, and we said goodbye. As I headed into the spa, my phone beeped, and I glanced down, a soft smile crossing my lips.
‘It was great seeing you, Alicia. You looked as beautiful as I remembered, Devon.’
Bless Devon, that was a boost I solely needed.
“File with the court,” I ordered Caitlin. “Oliver’s testing to see if I’ll cave. Now I want double the amount, thirty-six million, as a settlement. Oliver was warned. Caitlin, I’ll call the police with the complaint.”
“Hold fire on that,” Caitlin ordered.
I frowned. “Why?”
“Because I think once we file, Oliver will shit his pants just like any bully and come running back to settle out of court.”
“Hit him hard. And Caitlin, when they turtle up, add an extra five million for wasting our time. Also, add half the value of the house, which was valued at sixteen mill. It’s going to cost Oliver forty-nine million,” I stated.
“Okay. But for now, I’m going to file for half of everything. Let’s shit this asshole up,” Caitlin said with vicious glee.
I gave permission and hung up. Jesus, the woman was bloodthirsty, and I loved Caitlin for it. Oliver would piss himself when he saw the motion and the cost of screwing me around. I smiled brightly at the guy leaving the restaurant who held the door open. He blinked before smiling in return.
“Alicia Kensington, I’m meeting Devon Anderson,” I said to the hostess. She glanced down at her register.
“Ah, yes, Ms Kensington, this way please,” she replied. Devon was sitting at the table and stood as I approached.
“Your manners have improved since high school,” I teased.
“Most definitely.” He chuckled as he held out a chair.
I sat, and Devon retook his seat.
“Start talking,” Devon ordered. “What the hell’s been going on?”
“Tell me about yourself first,” I replied, and Devon waggled a finger at me.
“Nope. Judging by your bruises, you’re in trouble. Talk, Alicia, let me help,” Devon insisted.
Undecided, I bit my lip before realising I owed Oliver nothing. Slowly over the meal, I told Devon what had occurred since I last saw him in high school. Devon was shaking his head, staring in horror, by the time dessert arrived.
“Holy crap. The Alicia I knew would never have stood for that bull. Do you think Oliver planned this from the start, following you to college? What happened, babe?” he demanded.
“Life. I’m trying to figure out who I am, Devon.”
“I know who you are, Alicia Rosewood. We need to help you find yourself again.”
“Are you planning to do that, Devon Harrison?” I teased lightly, even as my heart flipped. Devon knew the old me, the girl I’d once been. If I were honest, I’d like to get back to her.
“If I have to.” Devon winked.
“Tell me about you,” I said, uncomfortable with the flirting.
“Not much to tell. I invested wisely and made a killing on Bitcoin. Several other investments paid off, leaving me with more money than I knew what to do with. I already owned shares in Zade, left to me by my grandparents, and I began a slow takeover. Last month, I made a move and secured the controlling interest. I now own seventy per cent of Zade. The other thirty per cent were obtained by the silent investors I told you about. This will be an uphill battle.”
“Why?”
“As I mentioned, I need a designer who’ll take a risk on Zade. That rules out the established designers. Another Mystique would be perfect,” Devon replied.
“What if Mystique were searching for a new retailer to showcase her designs?”
“That would be a freaking miracle. Alicia, I’m not that lucky.” Devon laughed.
