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.”

he would never go back to someone who betrayed him

rose slightly. “Is that what he told you? That I betrayed

him,”

attention. “Roman was obsessed with work. He

honest with her about his marriage to Jessica.

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Wed, 18

༥ .,92%

+28)

Chapter 86

is going to be faithful to his secretary? He’ll get bored with you before the

openly staring now. Jessica was creating exactly the scene Blair

here,” Blair said, reaching for her

Jessica hissed, grabbing Blair’s wrist. “You may have Roman fooled with your innocent act, but

to clear the air. I see you only want to create trouble.

Jessica demanded. “We’re

sisters and I just regained control of our family’s company–a company worth significantly more than whatever

with fury. “You think you’re

all pretense of privacy abandoned as diners openly

you find happiness, 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 dealing

throw Jessica

the restaurant, where Peters stood with two other security personnel. Behind them was a woman in a smart

is this?” Jessica demanded,

I knew you’d try

“Ms. Kingston, I have here a cease and desist order. Any further attempts to contact,

face paled. “You can’t

before you think about selling any stories to the tabloids, you should know that Roman’s legal team has already prepared a defamation suit. The papers will be

is ridiculous,” Jessica sputtered. “I was