Page 52 of Morally Corrupt

"Okay, let's do this then. The meeting is Monday at two p.m., Room 204 at Empire. We can go earlier and set up the room."

"It will be like old times, little goddess."

"Like old times… Sure." I chuckle, knowing fully well that old times means chaos and mayhem.

"I'll pick you up at your apartment."

"Fine. I'll see you then."

"Later." He hangs up.

Talking to Vlad always puts me in a good mood. But now that my marriage isn't on the brink of collapse anymore, I'm in an even better mood. Since tomorrow marks the start of the weekend, and both Theo and I are free, I decided to plan a little something to show him that he's the only object of my affection. Or obsession, I should say.

I smile to myself, mentally planning our weekend escapade.

18

BIANCA

"Are you not going to tell me where we're going?" I'm currently driving while Theo is anxiously trying to keep his calm in the seat next to me.

"Come on, babe, just wait until we get there."

"Is it going to be much longer?" I sneak a peek at him, and I see him holding onto the handle.

"Why, Theodore Hastings, if anyone saw you right now, they'd think you're afraid of your wife's driving skills," I tease, knowing fully well he always prefers to be the one driving because I'm not the most careful driver. I'd have let him drive under normal circumstances, but I want to surprise him with this weekend getaway.

"I'll just count my blessings if we don't die," he mumbles, and I give him a smile. Yes, I drive badly, or I should say recklessly. I might even be the poster child for road rage. Of course, Theo probably thinks my skills are just bad because I'm a woman. I shake my head, smirking. I rarely get the chance to drive when he's in the car with me, so I might as well take full advantage.

"I have some not so pleasant news," he says, trying to adjust himself in the seat.

"What is it?"

"Your father called." I frown.

"And?"

"He requests our presence for a family lunch tomorrow."

"Of course. He requests. He never asks." I grimace.

"I'm sorry." Theo gives me a sad smile. My father always calls Theo because he knows he will get a positive response from him. Being one of the mayor's main sponsors gives him some perks, like being able to snap his fingers and expect us to come. My fingers clench around the wheel. It's not even all about money since I could pour my own resources in Theo's office, but the connections tie us to Martin Ashby.

"It's okay. We'll do the usual in and out." I try to appease him. As if it's not bad enough that Theo needs him, he doesn't like the man. Mainly because he's noticed he doesn't care about me at all. Theo's mentioned the issue several times and has told me he wished we could cut ties entirely with him. But given his influence… I bide my time, though. The moment I notice that my father is putting too much pressure on Theo, or threatens him, I snap.

"I don't know why such short notice. I'm guessing Martin has other guests and wants to parade us around."

"Of course. Why else would he even acknowledge us? Don't worry, we can put up with it for a few hours. But now, at least for today, we can enjoy ourselves."

"You plan on keeping me in the dark about this surprise of yours?"

"Oh, yes!"

We're now winding down a path next to some woods. The place should come into view at any moment now. Given that it's the only house in the area, Theo immediately realizes what I meant by surprise.

"You rented a lake house?" I give him a knowing smile.

"We've both been under a lot of stress lately. I thought that maybe if we're away from all the noise, we could relax."

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