Page 172 of Thorns of Malice

I study her.

She squints, whispering, "Did you kill someone last night?"

I laugh. "Lilly!"

"Phew. I was worried you might've. Okay. What's the secret?" she asks, her eyes lighting up.

I admit, "I own it."

Her jaw drops toward the table.

"Well, say something," I order.

"Are you serious? When did you come up with it?" she squeals.

"Shh!"

"Oh, sorry!"

"I didn't, Dax did. He put it in my name, and he's overseeing it. But he told me I can fire him at any time."

Lilly's eyes widen, and she puts her hand over her mouth. She shakes her head and then says, "No way."

"Yeah, that's what I said, but he says it's all in writing."

She narrows her eyes. "Have you seen it in black and white?"

"No, but he said the paperwork's all in his safe. I can get it at any time."

She leans back. "Wow."

Shelby arrives with the mimosas. "Here you go, ladies. Were you ready to order?"

"We're going to need another minute," Lilly declares.

"Okay. Just motion me over when you're ready." Shelby disappears.

Lilly questions, "So if you own Seducing Ivy, can you get me in on Friday night? I want Jaxon to take me there. I heard it's super intimate and romantic."

"It's amazing! Perfect for a date."

"So, can you get me in?" she asks again.

"I can ask?—"

She arches her eyebrows.

"On second thought, I can for sure." I go into my purse and pull out the card Ronaldo gave me. I enter his digits into my cell and hit the call button.

He answers, "This is Ronaldo."

I reply, "Hi, Ronaldo. It's Ivy Ford."

"Oh, Ms. Ford. How are you doing today?" he asks.

"I'm good. And you?"

"Can't complain. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he questions nervously.

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