Page 31 of Ruin Me Sweetly

“I could set Rhea onto her,” she murmured.

“That’s my girl,” I said, grinning.

We chatted for a few more minutes, but I was already pulling my laptop out of my bag, searching for high-security systems. Discreet high-definition CCTV for the exterior, and a few hidden cameras for inside the house—though those were just for me. For my own peace of mind, of course.

Maybe one over Bella’s bed.

“…Amber got a shot of her on her phone.”

I paused.

“Excellent. Send me the footage. The more proof we have, the stronger our case becomes.”

She sounded much happier by the time we disconnected the call.

I emailed my office manager and PA to let them know I’d be working from home today. My phone vibrated, and I opened the video from Bella.

She couldn’t even part with her high heels—not for running, not for anything, apparently. She’d made it perfectly clear she wanted other men throughout our marriage. Yet here she was, sprinting down someone else’s driveway in six-inch stiletto boots.

What the hell? What did she expect?

It was almost embarrassing, watching her run so precariously down Bella’s driveway and into the car she’d walked away with from the settlement. She could’ve lived a comfortable life on what I’d given her.

I sighed, because I knew she wanted more. She always did.

I attached the video to an email and composed separate texts for Michael and Stefan, before firing them off to both.

Eyes needed to be on Sadie before she caused real harm to my plans.

❧ ❧ ❧

“Yes, Lorna?” I asked, without looking away from my screen.

My three most senior staff members would be managing the company in my absence. I’d never taken so much time off before, but between the wedding, the honeymoon, and hopefully the fruit of my loins making an appearance soon, it was time to reassess my priorities.

“Um,” she hummed, before clearing her throat. “There’s someone who’s been trying to reach you. This is his third call.”

I looked away from the graph plotting potential growth against the upcoming purchase contract, wondering if Lorna was ever going to reach the point.

“He said he’s your son,” she said quickly, throwing her arms up as if she already knew how ridiculous it sounded. Everyone knew I had no biological children—yet.

“Is his name Zach?”

Her eyes widened, and she nodded. I didn’t bother explaining myself. The staff needed rumours to keep them entertained while they earned their keep. Lorna would blab. It was simply too good not to.

“Yes, put my new son through immediately,” I growled.

She gasped and actually ran out of my office.

The light on the phone flashed, and I raised the receiver.

“Hello, son. This is a surprise. What can Daddy do for you?”

“How about you keep your bitch on a leash, old man?”

My instinct was to hunt him down and make him pay for the disrespect. However, I understood how he might feel about Amber and Bella being harassed in such a manner. It was also telling, how quickly Amber had relayed the information to him.

He needed to understand who was in charge.