Chapter 2 - The Mistress Who Couldn't Resist|
Colin recovered quickly.
That was one of his greatest talents.
He could turn panic into charm before anyone realized he had been frightened.
“It's simply valuable,” he told Tessa. “I'd hate for something to happen to it.”
Tessa laughed.
“Oh, please. I'm more careful with jewelry than June is.”
I almost smiled.
In my first life, those words would have hurt me.
Now they sounded like the beginning of an excellent confession.
“Then you should absolutely wear it,” I said.
Colin looked at me.
“June, sweetheart, maybe we should discuss this privately.”
“Why? It's my anniversary gift, isn't it?”
His expression tightened.
“Of course.”
“And I'm giving Tessa permission to borrow it.”
Tessa grinned.
“See? This is why I love her.”
The irony nearly made me laugh.
I picked up my phone.
“Hold still, Tessa. Let me get a picture.”
She immediately straightened.
“Really?”
“It's gorgeous on you.”
I photographed her holding the emerald against her throat.
Then I took another picture showing the necklace's distinctive antique clasp.
Colin moved closer.
“That's enough pictures.”
“Why?”
“The lighting isn't flattering.”
Tessa frowned.
“Excuse me?”
I smiled sweetly.
“I think you look beautiful.”
Before Colin could object, I sent the photograph to our group chat.
Anniversary surprise! Tessa is borrowing my beautiful emerald necklace for next Thursday's gala. Thank you, Colin!
Tessa replied immediately.
OMG, I can't believe you're letting me wear it! I promise I'll take amazing care of it!
Colin's phone vibrated.
He looked at the message.
Then at me.
“June.”
“Yes?”
“Could you come downstairs for a moment?”
I nodded.
But before leaving, I turned toward Tessa.
“Can you keep it in your jewelry safe until Thursday?”
“Absolutely.”
“Perfect.”
I looked at Colin.
“Then everyone knows exactly where it is.”
For one terrible second, the warmth vanished from his face.
I recognized that look.
I'd seen it during my first trial, when the prosecutor asked why Colin had deleted several company emails.
He was calculating.
Not feeling.
Calculating.
After Tessa left, Colin closed our bedroom door.
“What are you doing?”
I widened my eyes.
“Being generous.”
“That necklace is a private gift.”
“Then why are you so upset that I shared it?”
He studied me.
“You've been acting strange.”
I stepped closer.
“Maybe I finally realized how much Tessa means to you.”
His face changed.
“What's that supposed to mean?”
I smiled.
“Exactly what I said.”
He reached for my hand.
I moved away.
Then his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and immediately declined the call.
But I saw the name.
Roland Shaw.
Chairman of the company.
Husband of the necklace's rightful owner.
Colin's face grew pale.
And something became clear.
May you like
The necklace wasn't simply part of his scheme against me.
Someone above him was controlling the entire plan.
