Chapter 19: Jealousy and Suspicion
506words
"You're a natural," Jack murmured as I rejoined him, his hand finding the small of my back with newfound familiarity.
Our moment was interrupted by Mia Brown's calculated approach, Michael trailing behind her.
"Mrs. Thompson," Mia's voice dripped with saccharine insincerity. "That dress is certainly... brave for someone with your figure. Not everyone could carry off last season's design so... confidently."
Several nearby socialites exchanged glances, the insult thinly veiled. I merely smiled, unruffled.
"Ms. Brown, I was just admiring your necklace," I replied smoothly. "Van Cleef & Arpels, isn't it?"
Mia touched the diamond pendant at her throat, preening slightly. "Yes, actually. Michael has excellent taste."
"Indeed," I nodded appreciatively. "They make wonderful replicas these days. The cubic zirconia catches the light almost like real diamonds."
A horrified flush crept up Mia's neck as nearby guests poorly concealed their amusement. One socialite even leaned in for a closer look at the necklace.
"This is not a replica," Mia hissed, mortified.
"Oh?" My expression was all innocent concern. "My mistake. It's just that the genuine article has a specific setting pattern for the side stones. But perhaps they've changed their design recently."
Michael, oblivious to the female power play, finally noticed Mia's distress. "Is everything alright?"
"Your assistant was just telling me how much she admires authentic craftsmanship," I replied before Mia could speak. "Speaking of which, I heard the most fascinating rumor about your new executive assistant. Blonde, I believe? She must be quite talented to advance so quickly."
The color drained from Mia's face as Michael shifted uncomfortably.
"If you'll excuse us," Jack interjected smoothly, "we should greet the mayor."
As we walked away, I felt Mia's venomous stare boring into my back.
"That was ruthless," Jack murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"She started it," I replied quietly. "Besides, the necklace actually is real. I just wanted to see how insecure she is about her position with Michael."
"Very, apparently," Jack observed. "And you just made it worse."
Throughout the evening, I noticed Mia watching me with increasing hostility. When Michael publicly praised my business acumen while ignoring Mia's attempts to contribute, something dangerous flashed in the assistant's eyes.
Later, surveillance photos arrived from our investigator. Mia Brown, outside Michael's office, expression devastated as a younger blonde woman exited, adjusting her clothing.
"He's replacing her," Jack noted, standing close behind me as we examined the images. "Just like he replaced Rachel with her."
I studied the photos, recognizing the desperation in Mia's face—the look of a woman who had sacrificed everything for a man who valued her only for her utility.
"She's dangerous now," I said quietly. "A woman with nothing left to lose."
Jack's arms encircled my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder—a new intimacy neither of us acknowledged directly but both embraced.
"Then we accelerate our timeline," he murmured against my ear. "Before she does something desperate."
