“The buyer also asked me to give this to you.”
Teo handed her a blank check.
“Per the buyer, this is for the unusual nature of this deal and a show of good faith. They trust you will pick an appropriate amount, given the terms.”
Adria didn’t know what to say. X’s ventures and suggestions had never steered her wrong, but something about the buyer’s enthusiasm gave her unease.
She wanted to ask further questions, but as she was reaching for the check her hand stopped short.
Screams.
Screaming was echoing down the outer hallway.
Kaydon’s screams.
“I’m sorry, I have to go,” she said, already moving towards the door. “Tell your buyer I need some time.”
She left Teo looking disappointed and confused.
CHAPTER 31
NORTH CAROLINA
Bryson couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that he was missing something.
He knew what he saw.
Adria’s body curved up against Jonathan’s. If hell was real, Adria was the devil, and Jonathan was its CEO.
But Adria’s face after he accused her of sleeping with him told a different story. There was hurt, rage, shame, and something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Whatever emotion it was, it had him wanting to run after her.
He tried to shake it off.
Everything was going as planned.
Plastering a pleased smile onto his face, Bryson stepped into the dining area. Kaydon and Seth were already there.
Kneeling. Each at a separate end of the table. Moving to an open seat, Bryson slid in beside a woman with pale pink nails.
She was young. Pretty in that delicate, manicured way.
He caught her gaze—and winked. A soft flush crept up her neck, her fingers twitching against her wine glass.
Bryson smirked.
Maybe, for his final act of treason, he’d fuck this girl in front of everyone. If that didn’t get the Triune’s attention, he didn’t know what would.
A voice sliced through his thoughts.
“It seems our host has been held up,” Jonathan said.
Bryson’s focus snapped to the man at the head of the table. Jonathan’s sharp gaze flickered toward the kitchen doors, expectant and waiting.
When Adria didn’t magically appear, a shadow crossed his face and his lip curled, ever so slightly.
“Allow me to keep the evening’s festivities on track,” he said smoothly, snapping his fingers.
