The Price of Betrayal novel Chapter 4

The sudden arrival of black SUVs caught everyone off guard.

The noisy schoolyard fell into an eerie silence.

The parents who'd been holding me down scattered like leaves in the wind, smoothing their designer clothes and fixing their hair.

Ashley withdrew her stiletto from my cheek, her attention locked on the impressive convoy.

I pulled myself up quickly, drawing Emma close to my chest.

The security detail moved with practiced precision as one of them opened the lead car's door.

Jack stepped out, the perfect image of corporate power in his custom-tailored suit. His mere presence drew every eye in the yard.

The crowd buzzed with recognition.

"Is that really Mr. Walker?"

"My God, look at him - even more impressive in person!"

"That suit must cost a fortune. No wonder she couldn't resist him, though being a homewrecker is still disgusting."

As whispers rippled through the crowd, Ashley floated towards Jack with practiced elegance, sliding her arm through his. "Darling, what a lovely surprise," she purred, all traces of her earlier violence gone.

Jack's smile was camera-ready. "Heard there was trouble at school. Had to come support my family, didn't I?"

Ashley played with his tie, batting her lashes. "So you'll always be there for us?"

"Without question." His voice carried across the yard. "You and Tyler are my world. Anyone who hurts you answers to me."

Ashley's triumph radiated like sunlight. She'd never looked more confident.