She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 180

(Chase)

Sunset Boulevard is empty at midnight in the way only LA can manage.

I take the curves like I’m late for something.

I remember the look the valet gave me as I handed him the fifty dollar tip.

He gave me the keys with the look I'm used to seeing in a lot of people lately.

The look that says he reads the wires too.

My hands are at ten and two on the wheel.

I realize I’m grinding my teeth and try to stop as the reel keeps running in my head.

Julian at the bar next to Natasha.

I don’t know what he said to her, but I saw the corner of her mouth lifting in the mirror.

He’s trying to charm his way back into her good graces and it seems to be working.

Why am I the only one being punished for keeping the secret?

She’s reconnecting with Nathanial.

She’s almost-smiling at Julian.

Would she even be offering me her friendship if it wasn’t for Lily?

That thought scares the hell out of me.

So I go back to the reel in my head and remember the way Julian lifted his drink at me after she walked off.

The smug smile on his stupid, arrogant, pretty-boy face.

I come back to myself at a green light with the car behind me politely refusing to honk because I drive a Bentley.

My phone goes off in the cup holder.

Mother flashing on the screen.

Nope. Not after the shitty night I just had.

Decline.

It goes off again immediately.

Dammit.

"Mother."

"I’m not interrupting anything important, I hope?"

"I'm driving."

"Then put me on speaker, dear. I won’t keep you long."

There’s no point arguing. She’ll have her way one way or another, I may as well get it over with.

"I’ve been watching the wires."

"Mother-"

"Don't Mother me, Chase. I’m simply sharing with you what I’ve found. Maybe you can use it to get your life back. Natasha is being put on the map by someone. Three articles have been published about her this week."

"I know."

"And Mason Stein has given a keynote on regulatory technology and made it sound like he invented the field. The room loved him. The man photographs well."

"I know."

"Wasn’t he also invited to speak at some fundraiser tonight? He seems to be garnering a lot of positive attention."

"Mother. I was there. Mason is marvelous. What do you want me to do with any of this?"

"Don’t be difficult, Chase. Are you driving safely?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. Now listen to me very closely."

"I’m all ears."

"If you don’t make a move soon darling, someone else will take your place. For good. At Warren Global and at Natasha’s side. So do something before it’s too late. Are we clear?"

"Crystal."

"Goodnight, Chase."

She hangs up.

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