“I really appreciate it, Teresa,” Laney expressed with heartfelt sincerity.
Restoring the recording would have been a near-impossible feat without Teresa’s invaluable assistance.
Teresa’s smile beamed as she replied, “It’s hardly worth mentioning. When did you adopt such formalities?”
Laney’s lips pursed with a tinge of guilt. She hadn’t reached out to Teresa since her wedding. This time, she called upon her for help, and Teresa obliged without a moment’s hesitation.
Laney was both touched and remorseful. Words of gratitude were all she could muster.
“Having said that,” Teresa suddenly interjected with gravity, “we’ve been swamped lately and could truly use an expert bodyguard like yourself. If you’re interested, come by and give it a shot.”
Although Teresa extended the offer, she doubted Laney would accept.
After all, the Harding family was distinguished, and they would never permit their daughter-in-law to work as a bodyguard.
To her surprise, Laney’s determined voice rang through the phone, “Alright, I’ll give it serious consideration.”
Since sending the photo album, Kailee eagerly anticipated Laney’s reaction. But time wore on, and Laney never confronted her.
Had Laney not seen the incriminating photo and recording?
Or had she chosen to swallow her pride and humiliation for the Harding family’s wealth, feigning ignorance?
Kailee was convinced Laney wasn’t the type to tolerate her husband’s infidelity for monetary gain. She concealed the photo and recording within the album, knowing Laney’s unwavering devotion to love.
Furthermore, even if Laney cowered, her best friend Natalie wouldn’t stand idly by. She’d avenge Laney by confronting Garrett. Regardless of the process, Laney and Garrett were destined for a divorce. Kailee had imagined countless scenarios but never expected silence from Laney. This was far from the only source of Kailee’s frustration.
In recent days, she had tried contacting Garrett multiple times to arrange their last date, but he either ignored her calls or his assistant claimed he was in a meeting.
In a fit of impulsiveness, Kailee stormed into the company to confront Garrett, only to be thwarted by his assistant each time. When Garrett was in the hospital, he never left Laney’s side, leaving Kailee no opportunity to approach him.
Anxiety gnawed at her as she rubbed her temples. Kailee refused to wait any longer. If Garrett sought to avoid her, she’d confront Laney instead.
With a scornful sneer, Kailee grabbed her phone and dialed Laney’s number. Laney answered promptly.
As soon as she received the photo and recording, Laney knew that remaining unresponsive would drive Kailee to take action.
Eyeing the caller ID, Laney smiled and inquired, Miss Gibson, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
Kailee had no reason to hide from Laney. Wearing a devious grin, she bluntly declared, “Laney, have you seen the little surprise I left for you?”
Feigning ignorance, Laney replied, “What surprise? The allergy-inducing nutritional supplements Lola brought? Or the essential oils that could cause premature labor in pregnant women?”
“Quit playing dumb!” Kailee snapped impatiently, “I don’t buy that you haven’t seen the photo of Garrett and me at the hotel, or the recording pen! Garrett’s voice is unmistakable.”
Was Kailee’s composure already crumbling? Laney couldn’t help but smile. With a hint of amusement, she calmly replied, “Yes, I’ve seen them. What now?”
Kailee couldn’t fathom Laney’s equanimity in the face of such evidence.
She scoffed and sneered, “I thought you were a woman of principle, but it seems you’re nothing special. How canyou stay so composed knowing that Garrett betrayed you? You must be clinging to the Harding family fortune, right?”
“You claim my husband had an affair?” Laney chuckled. “With whom? You?”
Kailee confidently replied, “Yes, Garrett confessed his deep affection for me.”
Feigning ignorance is futile, Laney. The recording is crystal clear. He married you out of mere sympathy.”
Laney’s tone turned icy. “Kailee, stop sowing discord between us. I refuse to believe your lies. I trust Garrett. If you’re so sure, have him tell me personally.”
Without waiting for Kailee’s retort, Laney disconnected the call.
On the other end of the line, Kailee couldn’t stifle her laughter. Laney’s feistiness was proof that she cared. Claiming she trusted Garrett was Laney’s desperate attempt to preserve her dignity as a woman scorned.
The moment Kailee discovered that Laney had finally uncovered the truth, and that her own serene facade had been nothing more than an act, a wave of exhilaration surged through her veins.
She lingered in silence for a spell, phone in hand, before decisively dialing Garrett’s number.
The ringing persisted for what felt like an eternity, teetering on the edge of disconnection, when Garrett’s voice finally emerged on the other end.
Kailee had no desire to indulge in further small talk with Garrett.
As soon as his voice graced her ear, she cut to the chase, “When do you intend to honor your vow and arrange our final rendezvous?”
Garrett offered a cursory excuse, “The company has been swamped lately. Let’s revisit this later. Gotta go.”
He was about to end the call when Kailee interjected hastily, “Wait! Hold on!”
An air of irritation invaded Garrett s voice. “What more do you want?” he snapped impatiently.
Ever since heeding Brandon’s caution, Garrett had seen through Kailee’s two-faced and venomous nature. If not for the potential harm it could cause Laney, he would have already severed ties with this devious woman.
The mere notion of entertaining a date with this sinister creature was enough to make Garrett’s stomach churn.
Kailee’s eyes glinted with a malevolent edge as she issued her icy ultimatum, “My patience is wearing thin. You can’t convince me you don’t have a moment to spare. Meet me tomorrow, or I’ll expose our entire history to Laney.”
Garrett’s voice frosted over in an instant, “Is that a threat?”
‘I’m no fool,” Kailee scoffed. “If you won’t honor your promise, why should I guard your secret?”
Garrett fell mute on the other end of the line. Kailee’s lips curled into a victorious smirk. She knew Garrett would do anything to keep Laney in the dark, and he’d acquiesce to her demand.
As she had anticipated, after a moment’s silence, Garrett consented, “Meet me at the hospital tomorrow.”
He hung up without another word.
Kailee had accomplished her mission and saw no need for further entanglement. Besides, she would be rendezvousing with Garrett the following day.
The next morning, Kailee donned her most alluring ensemble, complete with stilettos and impeccable poise, and made her way to the hospital. Her scheme was to whisk Garrett away on a romantic escapade, reigniting the passion he once harbored for her.
New Book: Beginning with a Daring Encounter
Celsie was tired of being labeled as an introvert, workaholic, and dull virgin by her friends. Determined to prove them wrong, she made a bet that she would do something daring on her 25th birthday. Now that the day had arrived, it was time to fulfill her promise. On her daring to-do list, there was one task: a one-night stand with someone.
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