Chapter 24: Internal Betrayal
407words
Jack's face remained impassive, but he made no move to create distance between them. When Mia handed him what appeared to be a file, their hands touched longer than necessary.
A cold knot formed in my stomach. What was Jack not telling me?
When he finally returned to the penthouse, his expression was troubled.
"What did she want?" I asked, striving for casual but failing.
"To make a deal," he replied, tossing the file onto the coffee table. "She knows who you are. Has proof."
"And what does she want in exchange for her silence?"
Jack hesitated. "Protection from Davis. And... me."
"You?" The word came out sharper than intended.
"Apparently she's always had a thing for me," he said, uncomfortable. "She thinks with you out of the picture, there might be a chance for us."
"And what did you tell her?" I asked, hating the insecurity in my voice.
"That I needed time to consider her offer."
I stepped back as if struck. "You're considering it?"
"Of course not," he said, frustration evident. "But we need to play along until we neutralize her as a threat."
"The way you were looking at her didn't seem like playing," I challenged, old insecurities surfacing. "Maybe you prefer the original model to Rachel 2.0."
Jack's expression hardened. "That's not fair."
"Isn't it? This started as a business arrangement for you. Maybe Mia offers a better deal."
"You can't seriously believe that," he said, incredulous. "After last night? After everything?"
Our argument escalated, neither of us noticing the town car pulling up outside or Michael Davis exiting, looking up at our penthouse with calculating interest.
Inside, years of trauma and trust issues erupted between us.
"I saw how you looked at her!" I shouted, tears threatening.
"You're seeing what you expect to see!" Jack countered. "Just like you expected Davis to betray you!"
The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them. My face went completely still.
"Zoe, I didn't mean—"
"Yes, you did," I said quietly. "And maybe you're right. Maybe I'm broken beyond repair."
Before he could respond, his security team called: Michael Davis had just entered the building, requesting an unscheduled meeting.
Our personal crisis would have to wait. The enemy was at our door.
