Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 36 Chapter 36 [Sydney]

+25 BONUS

"There was no reason to say those things, Sydney. I thought you were better than that," Atlas snapped." Not to mention none of it was true."

"But, Sir, I was just..." I try to explain myself but he puts a hand in front of my face, interrupting me and leaving no room for argument.

"I know that sometimes you make mistakes," he shakes his head, his eyes disappointed as he scolds me, but that was just cruel. You know we are not in a relationship anymore, Sydney."

"I never said we were," I try to give him my most vulnerable pout.

He looks away, missing it entirely as his eyes trail the path of his ex-wife's retreat. "You are forbidden to talk to my wife again unless you can be professional and kind." His eyes are cold as his gaze shifts back to me. "The only reason you are still here right now is because I made a promise to your father, but if you try something like this again, I'll have no choice but to reconsider your employment." Without another word, he turns his back to me, racing after his ex like a lovesick fool.

It looks like he still needs a bit of convincing about how things should play out. If I do this right, he'll be crying at my doorstep before the night is over. Pulling out my phone, I flip through my contracts until I find a number my father gave me a few days ago, Just in case" I needed to "remove an obstacle."

Grinning at my phone, I press the send button, delivering the message activating the service.

They respond quickly, sending brief instructions about payment and where to wire the money.

A brief phone call to my bank later and I receive another brief text asking for appearance, dimensions, location, and time.

"Extra charge if rush service," it warns. "Typical wait time is one week."

I send a quick response "It needs to be today."

I walk towards the elevator, humming to myself as I text, my thumbs moving rapidly as I wire an agreed-upon "rush delivery" fee. By the time I reach my room, I am notified that the transaction has been successful. "The Delivery Men are on their way," the broker on the other end confirms. "Send visual confirmation of package."

Tscroll through my collection of images, scrolling through the happy, smiling faces until I find the one I am looking for and send it.

They ask me to confirm the location next. I send the address of the convention center, and a snapshot of the location map with a few key places circled, including her booth, and the stage for tonight's fashion show.

A few well-placed bribes will ensure that her line is chosen for the final lineup. When the final curtain falls, my problems will all magically disappear.

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Chapter 36

"Make it look like she ran away," I add as a side note. "Make sure she signs the note."

+25 BONUS

I then send them the exact time that the show will be over and a scan of my badge so that they can make their own and gain entry to the show.

And poof! Just like that, my problems disappear: Cordelia Greyson will cease to be my problem.

Atlas doesn't know what he needs in a wife-He's just a man and a foolish one at that. She has him so wrapped around her finger he is completely oblivious to the power she is wielding and all the little ways she is making him vulnerable and weak. Doesn't he see how she is trapping him with her lies?

He'll be heartbroken when he learns the truth, but I will be here to mend him, to make him into the titan he was meant to be. With me at his side, the Steele legacy will be strong. I will give him all the heirs he needs and together we will rule a fashion empire. "Oh Atlas, of course, I forgive you," I practice in front of the mirror, making sure I am projecting the right amount of sympathy, s***y, and innocence. "To believe she was lying to you this whole time. I can't believe that she ran away with some man she met here this morning!" My reflection gasps, mirroring my hand as it shoots up to my mouth, my eyes wide with shock. "She did what? I can't believe it. Well, she was never good enough for you, Atlas. You deserve someone who can really appreciate you." Grinning seductively at my image, I lean forward and kiss the mirror.

"Don't worry, Atlas," I kiss the mirror again."I'll never leave you."