Page 184 of Sinful Blaze

Behind them, hands resting on the girls’ shoulders, are Stewart and Ophelia.

“I didn’t pick up on the scam until we were closing out our files.” Brittany reaches for the scattered papers and straightens them. “The Hamishes have worked with Cleary Consulting for many years. When details started showing up in doubles… well, you can see my concern.”

“For all I know, this is Photoshopped. So no, I can’t.”

“I figured you’d say something like that.” She hands me the stack. “Here. Take a look and tell me I’m lying.”

I should call up security and have this woman thrown out. I should disregard everything she’s accusing Daphne of doing because this is such an obvious ploy to turn me against the mother of my child.

But as I skim over the top paper, then the next…

The evidence here is damning.

Daphne Hamish in a news article, standing with her parents.

Daphne and her parents, alongside Brittany and her parents, all smiling together at some school function.

School records, complete with copies of her student identification cards.

A name change record from the county recorder’s office. Hamish to Covington.

“She changed her name after the scandal with Melanie broke out.” Brittany sighs and leans against one of the chairs. “I thought she just wanted to distance herself from them, but…”

“But nothing. This means nothing.”

Brittany snorts. “Are you serious? Pasha, she’s clearly using you! They’re using you! They do it to everybody! Why do you think she’s so insistent on keeping the baby?”

I don’t want to believe any of this. I won’t.

“That is my child you’re speaking of. Watch yourself.”

She throws her hands up and nods in surrender. “You’re right. And I can honestly say that Daphne is probably telling you the truth, that you’re the father.”

“Stop talking, Brittany.”

“I’ve been sleeping with her boyfriend,” she admits shamelessly. “Her ex, I mean. I’m not proud of it, but it’s how I know he’s definitely not the father. And Daphne was always too loyal for her own good.”

“So then what’s the point of all this? She’s a far better woman than you. That’s not a surprise.”

I know I hit one of her buttons by saying that. It’s written all over her face. Brittany Cleary may think she’s gaining the upper hand by pretending like she’s reformed, throwing in little truths here and there, but she forgets who she’s speaking to.

I see right through her.

She folds her arms, glaring right back at me. “Don’t you think it’s a little too coincidental? All of your problems with this government contract starting right when you found out she was pregnant?”

I remain silent. I won’t give her the satisfaction.

“I bet other things have been happening, too. Run-ins with her parents. Shipments running late, personnel suddenly changing without notice. All since finding out about your baby. Probably escalated once she moved in. Am I right?”

Again, I refuse to answer her.

But fuck, maybe I should.

Because she’s onto something. Bringing that creeping sense of unease that’s been troubling me to the forefront.

My thoughts must be a little too transparent, because she smiles. “I’m right, aren’t I? I mean, it’s not your fault—and it may not even be hers so much. Her parents just know how to manipulate people to get what they want. She’s their good little girl who will do anything to make Mommy and Daddy happy.”

“Enough.” I grab my phone and send a text to Mak and Sofi. “You still haven’t answered my question. We’re through here.”

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