Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Blair maintained her composure. “Jessica, like you did, you mean, but then Roman wasn’t the wealthy man he is now. Might I remind you our relationship isn’t any of your business”

“But it is,” Jessica insisted. “You see, Roman and I have history. Deep, complicated history that doesn’t just disappear with divorce papers. We understand each other in ways you never could.”

Blair noticed several people at nearby tables glancing their way. Jessica was speaking just loudly enough to attract attention without seeming to shout.

“Is that why he divorced you?” Blair asked mildly. “Because you understood each other so well?”

Jessica’s eyes flashed. “Our marriage ended because of circumstances beyond our control. We were young. We made mistakes. But the connection is still there…surely you’ve felt it? I’m the only woman Roman has ever loved.”

“The only thing I’ve felt is Roman’s complete devotion to our relationship,” Blair replied. “Jessica, I didn’t come here to argue about the PAST. If you have something to say, say it.”

Jessica leaned back, studying Blair with calculated interest. “You’re not what I expected. Roman usually goes for women who are more… sophisticated. Polished.”

“Like you?” Blair asked, unable to keep the edge from her voice.

“Precisely.” Jessica smiled. “I’m just concerned that he’s rushing into something he’ll regret. That both of you will regret.”

Their food arrived, providing a momentary reprieve from the tension. Blair used the opportunity to send a quick text under the table. Everything was proceeding exactly as she’d anticipated.

“You know,” Jessica continued after the waiter left, “I spoke with Roman recently. He seemed… conflicted.”

Blair raised an eyebrow. “Did he?”

“Mmm. He mentioned how quickly everything was happening. How sometimes he wonders if he’s making the right choice.”

Blair almost laughed. Jessica was so transparent, it was almost sad. “That’s interesting, considering Roman hasn’t spoken to you since that day in his office.”

Jessica’s smile faltered. “We’ve had our private conversations.”

“No, you haven’t.” Blair set down her fork. “Jessica, I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to create doubt, to make me question Roman’s commitment. It won’t work.”

Jessica’s expression hardened. “You don’t know him like I do. You don’t know what he’s capable of.”

“And I know he would never

what

cheated on him,” Blair

that simple!” Jessica was getting louder now, drawing more attention. “Roman was obsessed with work.

to Jessica. “And yet,” Blair said

1/3

Wed, 18

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+28)

Chapter 86

going

now. Jessica was creating exactly

Blair said, reaching

fooled with your innocent act, but I

today out of courtesy. I thought perhaps you genuinely wanted to clear the air. I see you only want to create

Jessica demanded.

voice was firm. “And for the record, I don’t need Roman’s money. I have my own now. My sisters and I just regained control of our family’s company–a company worth significantly more than whatever settlement you’re still living off from your divorce. But knowing how desperate you are to

with fury. “You think you’re better than me? You’re nothing! Roman will see through

gone silent, all pretense of privacy abandoned

Jessica,” Blair said, her voice steady. “But it won’t be with Roman. It’s time to move

to do,” Jessica spat. “You have no idea who you’re

smile that seemed to throw Jessica off balance. “Actually,

with two other security personnel. Behind them was a woman in a

Jessica demanded, her voice suddenly

I knew you’d try to threaten me or Roman or our relationship. So I brought

forward, her expression professional but cold. “Ms. Kingston, I have here a cease and desist order. Any further attempts to contact, harass, or defame

paled. “You can’t do

the tabloids, you should know that Roman’s legal team has already prepared a defamation suit. The papers will be filed the moment

ridiculous,” Jessica sputtered. “I was just