Page 96 of Fifth Avenue Devil

“I have a proposition for you. Vote Annalise back in as CEO. In exchange, I'll keep your terrible secrets to myself."

The room explodes into a cacophony of protests. Nate holds up a hand to silence them.

"This is non-negotiable. You put Annalise back in charge or you prepare to face the consequences of your actions."

The board members exchange wary glances. Their expressions are a mixture of fear and resignation. One by one, they cast their votes, until it's official.

I'm back in as CEO of Gellar Industries. A wave of relief crashes over me. I push myself to my feet.

“Now get the fuck out of here,” I growl.

The entire board looks at me as if I’ve grown another head. I slap the table, standing up. Mrs. Smythe stumbles out of her seat, running for the door. Everyone else follows her, even my scummy parents.

The parting look my mom gives me is one of immense revulsion. I blow her a kiss and she scowls. Then she turns the corner and vanishes.

The girl I used to be three months ago would have withered under that glare. What has happened to me?

"Annalise.” Nate calls me back from my thoughts. I look at him, feeling off-center. "You’re back. I know you didn't want it to happen this way. But it’s done. You’re the CEO again."

"Blackmail, Nate? There had to be another way to get me back in charge."

He shrugs a shoulder. “I know what rich people fear most: losing their money and status. Sometimes, you have to play dirty to win. Besides. It worked, didn't it?"

My lips press into a thin line. "Only because they were more afraid of being exposed than they were of me. They don't respect me, Nate. They'll never take me seriously now."

"You've got your company back, Annalise. That’s step one."

“Nate…” I look at him. “You’ve managed to undo one thing. But you did a lot of damage. You’re talking like you want me to just fall at your feet and be thankful you even looked my way. And I’m here to tell you that isn’t going to happen. You fucked up. And I’m not sure that there is a way back from that!”

I end my speech before I burst into tears. It takes all that I’ve got to rein my emotions in.

“You’ve got to give me more time.” Nate touches my face. "I'm trying to make things right."

"Trying? You think that's going to cut it?" I laugh bitterly and back away from his caress. "You may be a big name on Wall Street, Nate Fordham. But when it comes to credibility with me, you have none. Zero. Zilch."

Nate reaches for me again. Desperation is etched in every line on his handsome face. "Please, Annalise. Just give me one more day. One day to prove to you that I can change. I can be the man you deserve. If I can't make it right after that…” He swallows hard. “I swear I'll leave you alone forever."

I study him. The raw vulnerability in his gaze, the tension in his broad shoulders. Part of me that still throbs for him, despite everything. Iwantto believe him.

But the scars run deep. I can't let myself forget what Nate has done.

“I’ll wait one more day. But things are far from fixed.”

Thirty-Seven

Annalise

Meet me at the Met at 7. Wear this dress.

It's a simple text message, but it makes my heart beat a little faster. I do love the Metropolitan Museum of Art an embarrassing amount. He knows that. What could Nate have planned that involves the museum after hours?

It reminds me of our first date. But it’s not, as I keep reminding myself. So why am I so damned nervous?

Now, standing outside the grand entrance of the Met, I’m nervous. Dressed elegantly in a curve-hugging black gown that Nate sent for me to wear, I draw in a deep breath. There's only one way to find out what Nate has planned.

And that is to follow his cryptic instructions.

Pushing past the columns, I brace myself. The doors open from the inside; there is an usher standing there who welcomes me. As I step into the museum, I'm engulfed in an opulent ballet-themed wonderland.

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