Chapter 29 The Art of the Lie
Elena didn't have a choice but to listen to her seemingly smarter friend.
“Julian won't like this whole thing," Elena said worriedly.
“Well, he doesn't need to know," Mandy shrugged.
“Are you kidding me? That man knows everything."
Mandy didn’t waste a second. She grabbed her desk phone. "You have his number, right?"
Elena nodded. "I do. But Mandy, Julian isn't easy to fool. He sees through everything. He’s like a machine."
"Honey, every machine has a glitch, and Julian Thorne’s glitch is you," Mandy winked, then dialed the number Elena provided.
The phone rang twice before a deep, smooth voice answered. "Elena?"
Mandy cleared her throat. "Actually, it’s Mandy! Elena’s friend from the cafe? Listen, Julian, I am so sorry to bother you at work, but we have a bit of a social emergency on our hands."
On the other end of the line, there was a pause. Elena could almost visualize Julian narrowing those piercing blue eyes. "An emergency?"
"A PR nightmare, more like," Mandy continued, pacing the office. "We’re at the spa, and three of our mutual friends from the country club just walked in. They’re all headed to Sarah’s surprise engagement party in an hour. Julian, the rumors are already flying. People are whispering that Elena has disappeared because she’s trapped in some dark, toxic marriage. They think you’re keeping her locked away!"
"That is ridiculous," Julian said calmly.
"I know it is! But you know how these vultures are. If she doesn't show up to this engagement party for at least thirty minutes, the blogs will have a field day. We need to kill the rumor now. I told them she’d be there. Is it okay if I take her?"
"Put Elena on," Julian commanded.
Mandy handed the phone to Elena, mouthing the words, “Be mean.”
Elena took the phone, her hand trembling slightly. "What do you want, Julian?"
"Mandy says there's a party. Do you actually want to go to this, Elena? You mentioned you wanted rest."
Elena rolled her eyes. "What I want is to not feel like a prisoner. I’m a grown woman, Julian, not a child that needs your permission to go to a party with my best friend."
For a moment, Elena thought she had pushed too far. Then, Julian exhaled. "Fine. But Clinton stays with you."
"No!" Elena snapped. "It’s a girls' thing. Having a bodyguard-driver looming over a surprise party is exactly the kind of 'toxic' vibe we’re trying to avoid. Mandy will drive me. I'll see you at home tonight."
She ended the call before he could argue.
"Phase one complete," Mandy cheered. "Now, for phase two. We need to get rid of your driver."
They walked out of the office and back to the lot where Clinton was waiting.
"Ma'am? Is the spa session over?"
"Not for me," Mandy said, stepping forward with a dazzling smile. "But Elena tells me you’ve been working overtime, Clinton. And honestly? You look exhausted.”
Clinton looked confused. "I'm fine."
Mandy waved a hand. "Elena and I are going somewhere. Since you’re stuck here anyway, I’ve decided to gift you the 'Executive Grooming Package.' Full body massage, deep-cleansing facial, and a haircut from our master stylist."
Clinton’s eyes widened. "Oh, no, ma'am. I can't. I have to stay in the car."
"The car will be in a private, monitored lot," Elena added, playing along. "Besides, if Julian finds out you turned down a gift from his wife’s best friend, he might think you’re being rude to the 'woman of the house,' right?"
The mention of Julian did the trick. Clinton finally nodded. "Well, if you're sure you won't need the car?"
"Not for hours," Mandy promised.
As soon as a spa attendant led a bewildered Clinton toward the back rooms,
Mandy grabbed Elena’s arm. "Quick. Let's get you changed."
Before they left, Mandy insisted Elena dress nicely.
"Nothing like a little excitement to juggle his brain and get him confused.” She applied a bold red lipstick to Elena’s mouth and let her dark hair fall in loose waves.
"I feel like I'm going to a funeral," Elena whispered, looking in the mirror.
“Come on, we don't have time for self pity."
Mandy took her through the back door and into her own black SUV parked across the road.
They drove for a few minutes and as they pulled up to the Pittman Hotel, Elena began to sweat nervously.
"I'll be right here," Mandy said, squeezing Elena's hand. "If you aren't out in thirty minutes, I’m calling your father and then your husband, got it?"
Elena nodded, her throat dry. "Got it."
As she left the car, she went directly to the room Francis had told her.
Room 412.
She didn't have to knock more than once. The door opened almost immediately.
Francis stood there, shirtless. When he saw her, his eyes raked over her body, landing on the red lips and her short black dress.
"Wow," a smug grin spread across his face. "I knew you still had a thing for me, Elena. You dressed up and even wore the lipstick I like."
He stepped back to let her in, and Elena walked past him into the room that was a mess of half-empty bottles of champagne and expensive takeout.
“What can I offer you?"
"I'm not here for a date, Francis," Elena said, turning to face him.
He closed the door and moved toward her.
"Oh, come on," he cooed. "Don't be like that. You finally realized that attorney husband of yours is a bore, didn't you? He doesn't know you like I do."
"You don't know me at all," Elena hissed. "I brought what you wanted. But I want a promise, Francis. After this, you delete every video and you never contact me, my sister, or my family again."
Francis chuckled, leaning against the dresser. "Always so dramatic, El. I spent years with you. I deserve a little retirement fund for my troubles."
"Is that all I was to you? A paycheck?"
"You were a lot of things," he said, stepping closer again, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But mostly, you were easy to fool."
Elena felt the sting of tears but pushed them back.
She reached into her clutch and pulled out a thick envelope stuffed with cash. "Here. It’s fifty thousand. It’s all I could withdraw without Julian’s accountants flagging it. Take it and go."
Francis took the envelope, smiling. "See? I knew you’d come through. This is a good start."
He stepped toward her, his hand sliding onto her waist. Elena felt her skin crawl. "Maybe we can celebrate? For old time's sake? One last night before I vanish?"
"Don't touch me," Elena said and shoved him back. "We’re done. Delete the tapes."
Francis held up his hands in a mock surrender. "Fine, fine. Consider them gone. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Thorne."
Elena didn't wait. She turned for the door, her heart soaring with relief. She had done it. She had handled it.
She reached for the handle, but a hand slammed against the door next to her head, pinning her in place.
"Wait a second!" Francis growled.
Elena froze.