The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 175

I leaned back in my chair, with my feet propped on the desk, while twirling a pen between my fingers. "Who else can you trust besides me? Do you think those guys will let you off without the money?"

Chad had been gambling abroad for years, and this time, he was truly desperate to have gone into hiding for so long. If I had not sent Murphy to find him, Chad wouldn't have known about the mess Gerald had created behind his back.

Honestly, the two of them were quite the entertaining pair.

Resting one arm on the back of my chair, I waited for Chad to respond. I had all the time in the world to let him stew.

"Can you really give me that much money?" Chad asked skeptically.

"The check's right in front of you, isn't it?" I watched as Chad's eyes were fixed on the amount, his lip twitching slightly.

"What do you want me to do?"

The fish had taken the bait. I deliberately stayed silent until he grew anxious. Then, I said, "I hear Gerald listens to you. As you know, I've married Lorraine, but he disapproves."

Chad immediately understood my meaning and gave a sleazy grin. "I never thought you'd actually fall for that trash."

I glanced up at him sharply, slamming my pen on the desk. "Mr. Sommerton, that's my wife you're talking about. Watch your language."

Chad froze for a moment before changing his tone. "Of course, of course. She's your woman, after all."

He eyed the check on the desk and then rested his chin on his hand. "Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it."

The way he switched attitudes so fast was almost impressive.

"I need you to be my witness," I replied with a slight smirk.

...

When Chad left, the sky was cloudless despite the forecast of rain. Murphy stood beside me, putting away the unclaimed check. "Mr. Joplin, what now?"