Todos los capítulos de The Bet That Ruined Us : Capítulo 21 - Capítulo 30

Exclusive BarThe bar was upscale and dimly lit, the kind of place where deals were made and secrets were kept.Grayson sat in their usual booth in the back, nursing a whiskey he hadn't touched, waiting.Ivan and Jake arrived together, both looking uncomfortable in ways he'd never seen before."Gray." Ivan slid into the booth first, followed by Jake."Thanks for meeting me.""Yeah, well." Jake signaled the bartender. "You said it was important."They ordered drinks. Nobody spoke until the bartender left.Finally, Ivan broke the silence. "So… you said she's working for you now.""Yeah.""How's that going?" Jake's tone was careful, like he was approaching a bomb that might explode."She hates me. Won't let me explain anything. Thinks I posted that video seven years ago."Heavy silence fell over the table.Ivan and Jake exchanged a look that made Grayson's jaw tighten."Gray..." Ivan's voice was careful. "About that video..."Grayson looked up sharply. "What about it?""I installed the c

The Carlisle was exactly as elegant as expected.Crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, waiters in crisp uniforms moving with practiced efficiency. The kind of place where deals worth millions were made over perfectly prepared steaks.Grayson placed his hand on the small of her back as they entered—light, barely there, but enough to send electricity through her entire body."For appearances," he murmured."Of course."The dinner itself was a blur of handshakes and business talk. Investors from Singapore, board members, endless discussions about expansion and projections and market shares.Shayla played her role perfectly. Answered questions about the company's financials with confidence. Provided data when asked. Made intelligent observations that impressed the investors and made Grayson look good."Your assistant is remarkable," one of the Singapore investors said to Grayson. "Very sharp. You're lucky to have her.""I know," Grayson replied, his eyes on Shayla. "Believe me, I know."

Bellamy's was exactly as exclusive as its reputation suggested.The restaurant occupied the top floor of the building in the financial district, all floor-to-ceiling windows and understated elegance. White tablecloth. Crystal stemware. The kind of hushed atmosphere where business worth millions was conducted over perfectly plated cuisine.The hostess greeted them with a professional smile. "Mr. Cross, your party has arrived. This way, please."Shayla followed Grayson through the dining room, her tablet clutched against her chest like armor. Her heart was pounding so hard she was certain everyone could hear it.And then she saw her.Laura Hale sat at a corner table with a view of the city skyline, perfectly composed in a cream-colored dress that probably cost more than Shayla's monthly salary. Her blonde hair was styled in an elegant twist. Diamond studs glinted at her ears. She looked up as they approached, and her smile was exactly as Shayla remembered… polished, calculated and cold.

Shayla stood in front of her bedroom mirror, smoothing down the nude-colored dress for the hundredth time.The dress was simple but elegant, hitting just above her knees with a modest neckline and three-quarter sleeves. Conservative enough to be appropriate, fitted enough to be flattering. She'd paired it with simple gold jewelry and nude heels.Behind her, Ruby was putting the finishing touches on her hair, pulling it into a soft updo with a few face-framing pieces left loose."So let me get this straight." Ruby's voice was carefully neutral as she secured another pin. "You're going out with Nathaniel to distract yourself from what happened today?""No." Shayla met Ruby's eyes in the mirror. "I'm giving Nathaniel a fair chance. I've been declining him for years. He's a good man. Kind, stable, successful. Who knows, maybe I'll actually like him.""Keep dreaming." Ruby's tone was dry. "Mama bear, I love you, but you're terrible at lying to yourself. I don't want to admit it, but you're

Shayla arrived at the office that morning with her mind occupied by too many things at once.Five days. That's all she had left before Ayven turned eight years old.November 23rd. The same birthday he shared with his father.The symmetry of it had felt like some cosmic joke when Ayven was born. Like the universe was reminding her that no matter how far she ran, no matter how much distance she put between herself and Grayson Cross, their lives would always be connected.But that wasn't the only thing occupying her mind this morning.Last night kept replaying in her head. The restaurant. Grayson with that woman. The way they'd looked together, the way the woman had leaned in close, clearly comfortable with him in a way that suggested familiarity.And the worst part? The absolute worst part was that it bothered her.It shouldn't. She had no right to be bothered. Grayson was her boss. Nothing more. What he did in his personal life, who he dated, who he spent his evenings with…none of that