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.”

of,” Blair countered. “And I know he would

voice rose slightly. “Is that what he

on him,”

louder now, drawing more attention. “Roman was obsessed with work. He was

marriage to Jessica. “And yet,” Blair said calmly, “Troy left

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Wed, 18

༥ .,92%

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Chapter 86

you’ve won? You think Roman is going to be faithful to his secretary? He’ll get bored with you before the honeymoon

now. Jessica was creating

done here,” Blair said, reaching for

when I say we’re done,” Jessica hissed, grabbing Blair’s wrist. “You may have Roman fooled with your innocent act, but I see right through you. You’re

I came here today out of courtesy. I thought perhaps you genuinely wanted to clear the air. I see you only want to create trouble. Did you try to go to the board members,

demanded.

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

her face contorted with fury. “You think you’re

gone silent, all pretense of privacy

steady. “But it won’t be

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

to throw Jessica off balance. “Actually, I do. And

stood with two other security personnel. Behind them was

this?” Jessica demanded, her voice

simply. “I knew you’d try to cause a scene, Jessica. I knew you’d try to threaten me

desist order. Any further attempts to contact, harass,

face paled. “You

did,” Blair said. “And before you think about selling any stories to the tabloids, you should know that

ridiculous,” Jessica sputtered. “I