Chapter 33 CHAPTER 33
Rosaleen's POV
I groaned as I collapsed on my chair. Me and my big mouth. I replayed the conversation in my head again and realized that without a doubt, I had exposed my partner to scrutiny. Alpha Michael would definitely want to find out who Evelyn’s step brother was, and in doing so, he would find out that he was the same person I had introduced to the board today. I tapped against the tip of my nose gently. I just needed to have a straight story. I could stick to saying I had no idea they were related until we had agreed to do business.
Damn it.
I rose up and paced. It was very possible that Michael was slipping out of my fingers. And that frustration was pushing me to be irrational in my thinking. I just couldn’t stand the way he treated her as if she was anything. She was a piece of trash and I was a well decorated fraud. She was not going to outperform me.
Last night was chaotic. I had chosen the restaurant. The ambiance was enough to make you fall in love at first sight, but more importantly, the wine was meant to loosen him up. When I returned from the bathroom, I had just the right amount of powder under my nails, placed carefully. When he wasn’t looking, I dipped my nails in his wine, so swift that he didn’t notice. Then I let him drink and drink and watched him.
“Stay tonight,” I whispered, leaning very close to him. “I booked the penthouse suite upstairs. Just you and I.”
Of course, it was unpaid for. But Alpha Michael’s name as currency no one could deny.
He blinked slowly. “I can't.”
“Why?’ I pressed, getting desperate.
“I promised Evelyn," he said. “To take her there.”
The mention of her name turned all the delicious meal sour. He was leaving me because he had to take Evelyn somewhere?
“Micheal, it’s almost midnight. She's probably asleep. And you are quite drunk.”
He belched. “I can handle my drinks.”
“You are choosing her.”
He rose up. “Thre’s no choosing here, Rosaleen. I had a wonderful time with you.”
I rose up with him and before I could stop myself, I grabbed his collar and pulled him into a kiss. He didn’t fight it. He closed his eyes and muttered her damn name.
–
I bit my thumb until it hurt. I had to find out if he was beginning to fall in love with that tramp. I would ruin her so bad that she would be rejected all over New York. I headed down the hallway and took the lift until I got to Tamara’s floor. She was standing beside a board, reviewing some themes for the end of year gala. She didn’t look happy when she saw me.
“Hey,” she said.
“Can I come in?” I asked, offering her a plastic smile.
“Sure,” she said, pointing to a small part of her sofa that wasn’t occupied. “You can find a place to sit there. I’m sorry everywhere is in a mess.”
“It’s alright. It can get really busy down here.”
She mumbled a reply. “I heard about your new product. Fantastic. It seems you have come to stay right?’’
I smiled. “Yes,Tam. This place feels just right.”
She nodded and turned to her board. “What do you need?”
“I need a favour, Tam.”
She didn’t look at me. “I’m done giving you any favors, Rosa. We agreed.”
“I didn’t ask, Tam. I said I need a favour.”
She faced me. “Rosaleen, please. I already did more than I could possibly do. I don’t want to get into any more trouble. I told you the last time was the last and we both agreed.”
I rose up. “This is the very last one. I need it if I'm to stay here, Tam.”
She turned away. “What do you need?"
“I want you to find out if Michael and Evelyn are getting intimate,"I said.
She looked at me. “How the hell am I going to find that out.”
I huffed. “You know your ways, Tam. I need that info. Also, I need anything dirty you can get about her. Past, present or future. I need it. After this, no more favours. I promise."
“Rosaleen, I don’t know if-”
“Yes, you do. You are close to her housekeeper. Your husband is Alpha Michael's beta. You can get any information you need”
Her shoulders sagged. “I’ll try my best, Rosa.”
I smiled. “I know your best is always off the charts. I’ll be waiting. Don’t keep me long.”
I returned home after that. My body and mind were exhausted. I kicked off my heels and sighed. It was time to change my wardrobe. I needed some money. I opened the fridge in the kitchen and groaned. The water was not cold. Electricity had been cut off from the penthouse as promised. I had to find a way to sort the bills. I emptied the bottle and picked up my phone. There were several missed calls and voicemails from Marcus. I ignored them. I would get him out as soon as I got everything in order. I couldn’t be bothered for now.
I needed a cold bath. Something to soothe my nerves and clear my head. I needed a clean strategy. Evelyn Moon had proven to be a tougher antagonist than I had imagined. But I was always one step ahead. Her project had turned out to be a genius and I had made sure I removed every trace of ownership to her.
“Soon,” I said, smiling as I descended into the bath.
I closed my eyes as the water touched every inch of my skin. I took deep and slow breaths. The world was mine to control. Evelyn was just a fly that would be swatted away.
My phone vibrated and I opened my eyes. I glanced at it, wondering if the message was from Marcus. It was from Alpha Roman and it contained just two words - Insurance. Tonight.
I dropped the phone and sank my head beneath the water.