Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 85

Sarah's POV.

Sitting in a quiet booth at the back of a small cafe, I wrapped my hands around a mug of coffee, letting the warmth seep through my fingers.

I glanced at the door again, nerves buzzing through me as I waited. James was late, but I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

Every second that passed made me question my decision to come here, to meet him alone. But after everything I'd found-and everything Richard still wouldn't tell me-I had to know.

I had to understand what James wanted and what he knew.

Just as I was considering leaving, the door opened, and there he was. James looked different than the last time I'd seen him-older, and a bit worn down.

But his eyes still had that same sharpness, that same hint of something dark. He spotted me right away and walked over, his expression unreadable.

"Sarah," he said, sliding into the seat across from me. "Didn't expect you'd actually show up."

I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "Well, you left me little choice, didn't you?"

He chuckled, a low, mocking sound. "Guess I didn't. I always knew you were curious, Sarah. But I didn't think you'd go this far."

I straightened in my seat, ignoring the way his words made my skin crawl. "What do you want, James? Why are you here?"

He leaned back, studying me with that unsettling gaze of his. "Why am I here?" he repeated, his voice soft, almost amused. "I think you know the answer to that."

"I don't," I said, meeting his eyes. "I wouldn't have asked if I did."

For a moment, he didn't say anything, just kept looking at me, his expression shifting from amusement to something colder. "Alright," he said finally, "let's say I'm here to offer you... an opportunity."

frowning. "What are you talking

save yourself-and Richard. I've

tried not to show it. "And what exactly do you know,

always unnerved me. "Enough to ruin everything for you and Richard

that?" I asked, trying to keep the anger

same man he was when we were friends, and neither am I. But that doesn't mean I don't

sent a chill down my spine, but I

He's kept so much from you, Sarah. You think he's being honest with you

clenched my hands around my coffee cup, fighting the urge to throw it in his face.

you're smart, you'll start asking Richard some real questions. See what he says-or what he doesn't

bubbling up inside me. "If you know so much, why don't you

long, considering look, then leaned

him forever. I'm giving you a chance to save yourself,

me wanted to get up and leave, to walk away from this conversation

couldn't. Not when he was sitting here, hinting at things that

from me?" I asked quietly, my

to cooperate. Make him understand that

who?" I pressed. "The network? These people you're working

thought, Sarah. Yes,

his smug tone, but I kept my voice steady. "And what if I don't? What if

do, there's no going

eyes, refusing to back down.

with a shrug. "But that

in silence for a moment, the tension between us thick and heavy. I wanted to scream at him, to demand he tell me everything he knew, but I knew it wouldn't make

helping him by keeping this from him, by pretending everything's fine. But you're only hurting yourself. Richard's secrets...