Page 67 of My Ruthless Neighbor

I crack my eyes—which are now filled with unshed tears—open. “Why?” I ask in a shaky voice. It’s loud enough for other diners to take notice.

“Why what?” She asks in confusion.

I lift my trembling fingers to my mouth and sniffle. I shake my head, the tears now falling.

“Why don’t you leave him alone?” I ask, louder. More heads turn our way.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Hallie. She is across the hall, standing and watching me with eagle eyes.

I don’t have enough time.

“What are you talking about?”

I place my palms on the table and bow my head in defeat. “You know exactly what I am talking about.” Then, after a dramatic pause, I look up. “You are trying to seduce my baby daddy.”

She pales. The gasps of disbelief around me make me realize I fucked up.

I internally face-palm myself.

What the fuck?

I said I won’t lie.

What happened to the promise? Why, oh, why brain? Why did you do that to me?

It just came naturally. I realized what I saidafterI said it.

I am sorry, Archer.

I didn’t lie to you.

Now that I went back on my word, consider it as a white lie since I am doing this for you.

She staggers to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. Mimicking me, she lays her palms on the table and leans closer. “What is this nonsense?” She whispers through clenched teeth.

“Nonsense?” I sob.

This moment is far more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I love the way she sneaks nervous glances around her.

She is panicking. Her image is on the line after all. My calculation was accurate.

I figured out her weakness and successfully cornered her.

Getting back in the character, I say, “Time and again you made advances on my boyfriend. When he didn’t respond, you changed your tactics, didn’t you?” I feign a sad smile. “You decided to blackmail him into meeting you here.”

I purposely refrain from using Archer’s name. Because this could backfire. Knowing how famous he is, my making a scene here would tarnish his image.

It’s a good thing he isn’t present.

Her hostile eyes shoot daggers at me. “Cut the bullshit right now, or I’ll ruin you.”

I gasp, stumbling back. “You are threatening me because I begged you to stop harassing my boyfriend?”

The entire room breaks into shocked whispers. Meagan’s face is red.

I note the exact moment she drops her mask. Narrowing her eyes, she lets out an angry grunt. “I want to speak to the manager.”

Within seconds, Hallie is beside her, apologizing profusely. Taking a step toward me, she clutches my elbow. “Come with me.” Hallie tries to pull me.

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