Chapter 4
Karley was lounging in the doorway in a red silk nightgown,
looking relaxed and just a little surprised to see me.
But that didn’t last long.
Her dewy eyes swept over me from head to toe, brimming with
smugness and disdain.
In that instant, I understood everything.
Bryce had set her up here.
“This is my house.
“You have five minutes to get dressed and get out.”
I pulled the door open, ready to walk in.
။
Karley blocked the way, meeting my gaze without a hint of fear.
“But Mr. Oswin gave me this place,” she said, her tone sweet
and mocking.
“Oh, he gave it to you?
“When did the deed change hands?
S
Chapter 4
“Wouldn’t the actual owner know if that happened?
“It’s just a temporary stay, and you’re acting like you own the
place. Playing queen in a borrowed nest–don’t flatter yourself.”
Color rose and fell in Karley’s cheeks.
I couldn’t be bothered to argue, so I pulled out my phone and
dialed Bryce.
Let him clean up his own mess.
On the other end, Bryce gave a dismissive little laugh.
“Angela, it’s just a house. What’s the harm in letting Karley stay
for a few days?
“Don’t go picking on her–if you make her cry, she’ll be
impossible to console.
“And besides…”
I didn’t catch the rest of what Bryce was saying, because Karley suddenly grabbed my wrist, looking even more defiant.
Ms. Redford, I heard you and Mr. Oswin dated for three years
before you finally got married.
“Well, I’ve been with him for three years, too.
Chapter 4
“Tell me, do you think this is the year I get to be Mrs. Oswin?”
She ran her hand over her belly.
“Oh, and just so you know, I’ve added a little something extra to
my bet–Bryce’s child, right here.”
94
On the phone, I could hear Bryce shuffling cards, his voice
drifting lazily back.
wwwww.
www.
www.
“There was a fine green gemstone necklace up for auction the
other day.
“I bought it for you–it’s your birthday soon, I’ll give it to you then.
wwwwwww
“Keeping Karley around is just for fun, like a little songbird to pass the time.
“But if it really bothers you, I’ll have her move out.”
He kept rambling, brushing me off.
I let out a cold, trembling laugh.
“Bryce, are you hearing this?
“Your mistress is having a little songbird of her own!
“Congratulations–you’re going to be a father. You finally got
what you wanted.”
On the other end, Bryce went silent. For a long moment, there
was nothing but dead air.
