Page 63 of Twin Babies For The Grump

I’m tempted to make a scene, equal to the one she made, but that will just draw more attention to her insane claims.

To even suggest that Tess would try to use my father like that, or that he’d ever pursue such a thing has my blood boiling.

But I manage to appear calm. I’ve spent twenty years handling ruthless businessmen, I can manage a petty woman. Still, it’s not easy. The muscles in my face and hands, and my whole body, ache by the restrain. This is different. My past battles had to do with me and my work. This one has to do with the woman I love.

“Macy, can I speak to you for a moment? Privately.” I don’t wait for her response; I know she will follow me.

I lead her into the small office on the right side of the main building, where the accountants are stationed, and tell them to leave. This seems to excite her. She walks inside with a sly smile.

“What can I do for you, Owen?”

I flinch at the sound of my name coming from her.

“First of all, it’s Mr. Bale to you. Second, what the hell do you think you are doing, spreading rumors about me and an employee in my business?” I’m not yelling, by any means, but I know that when I lower my voice this much, it tends to scare people shitless.

Poor Macy. She thought the worst of me was the person scolding workers for their laziness.

“I'm waiting for an answer. From what I’ve been told, you were extremely vocal today. What happened?

Her flirty demeanor is gone, although I’m sure she thinks her pouting is sexy. She straightens her back and goes to take another step forward.

“Stay exactly where you are and answer my question. What the hell do you think you are doing?”

“I’m trying to show you that you’re making the wrong choice. That you could be with someone better, more skilled, more willing to dedicate herself to you,” she says, her voice getting louder and louder with each word until she’s practically screaming.

“Someone who won’t try to use you to get ahead at work or to trap you with a baby so that you’ll end up paying for it for the rest of your life. She might be younger, but that’s all she has.”

“You decided to defame the person you knew your boss is in a relationship with because you think you are better than Tess? And me, obviously, since you don’t think I can make an informed choice on my own. But you know what pisses me off the most, Macy? That you imply that my own child is a problem.”

She bites her lower lip trying to think of a response.

“Don’t bother, just the sound of your voice is irritating. If I have to hear your excuses… I’ve contacted the reporter you entrusted with all those lies about Tess—don’t ask how I found him, the same way you did—and I have proof of everything else you’ve done.”

“Like what?”

“Like stealing from me. And probably my father. Wine for you, and your family, and your friends, right, Macy? Or selling information.”

She takes a step back, now visibly shaking.

“Don’t ask how I know.” I lean back on the desk and pick up the document that’s under the keyboard. “I had this drafted that morning when I saw the news report, but I had to wait until the start of the workweek to have this reviewed by the accountants.”

Good thing that I confirmed with Samuel this morning that he had it printed and on his desk.

“You are leaving now. I don’t want to hear anything from you ever again. Or about me and my wife. The moment that Delia’s Winery is involved in any gossip, even if you are not the one to start it, I’m going to the police.”

By now Macy’s face is the same dark red shade as her lipstick. She’s visibly shaking, more than before, and keeps opening and closing her mouth, intending to say God knows what.

I raise my palm and then motion for her to go.

This time she does as she’s told without any protest.

I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. The reporter’s name is third on my recent calls. I press it and wait until she picks up.

“Mr. Bale—”

“I’m up for the interview. In three weeks. And bring the whole crew. We’ll do the tour as well.”

The reporter agrees excitedly and tells me she will wait for the precise day and time.

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