Page 23 of Tempted By Eden

We sit quietly for a moment, the noise of the bar fading into the background, until my phone rings.

Thinking it might be Dad, I quickly fish it out of my purse and gesture to Nathan that I need to take the call. I head toward the bathrooms where it’s quieter.

“Hello,” I answer, just in time.

“Hi Cora, it’s Madame Sophia. I’m calling to see how your trial went on Saturday and if you’d be interested in joining us on a permanent basis.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I stammer, my alcohol-fogged brain struggling to understand her words. Surely there’s been a mistake. I’ve been dreading this call, expecting her to be furious with me over what I did. I just hoped she wouldn’t press charges for theft—after all, it’d be bad for business. Best case scenario, she’d accept my apology along with the money I stole, and we’d part ways.

“I wanted to see how everything went on Saturday night and if you enjoyed it,” she repeats. “The client certainly did; he gave you a glowing review. We would love to have you on board.”

Wait, James didn’t report me? Why the hell not?

“Ah yes, it was a lot of fun. Love to do it again,” I reply, slipping into a strange British accent. I squeeze my eyes shut, biting my lip as my cheeks burn.

What are you doing, you weirdo?

“Wonderful! Welcome aboard, Cora. Hailee will email your roster shortly.”

I make a non-committal sound as she hangs up and slowly make my way back to our table. James’s unexpected praise has thrown me. Why didn’t he report the theft? It doesn’t add up. Is he planning his own revenge? I need to figure it out before I walk into a trap.

Nathan looks up from his phone, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What was that about?”

I hesitate, trying to decide how much to share. But Nathan’s already in this with me, and after everything I’ve spilled tonight, there’s no point in holding back now.

“That was… work-related,” I say slowly, still processing the conversation myself. “Madame Sophia. She was calling to offer me a permanent spot at Eden.”

Nathan’s jaw hangs open. “Wait,what?After everything that happened?”

“Exactly,” I say, leaning in, my voice hushed. “I thought for sure James would’ve said something—hell, I was bracing myself for a criminal charge after his reaction this morning. But instead, she says he gave excellent feedback. Like…glowing.”

Nathan’s confusion mirrors my own. “That doesn’t make sense. Why would he do that?”

“I have no idea,” I admit. “He was furious today, accusing me of all sorts of things—blackmail, theft, being a hooker… but then he doesn’t say a word to Madame Sophia?”

Nathan sits back, running a hand through his hair. “That’s messed up. But it might give you some leverage, right? If he didn’t report you, maybe he’s not as eager to get rid of you as he’s letting on.”

“Maybe,” I murmur, though the thought doesn’t bring much comfort.

We fall into silence, both of us lost in the tangle of the mess I’ve created.

Nathan reaches across the table, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll figure it out, Cora. You’re a tough bitch—I can tell.”

His words bring a smile to my lips. “Thanks, Nathan. I really appreciate that.”

“Anytime.” He grins. “Now, how about one more drink before we call it a night? God knows we could both use it.”

I laugh softly, nodding in agreement. “Why not? After today, I think I’ve earned it.”

Nathan heads to the bar and I take a moment to just breathe. I don’t know what game James is playing, but I know one thing for sure: I’m not going down without a fight.

My thoughts drift to Leo, his little face flashing in my mind. What would happen if James found out about him? Tightness grips my throat, and I force down a hard, dry gulp.

I can’t let my mind go there. I need to be focused to stay ahead of whatever James is planning. If he thinks he can scare me off, he’s wrong. I belong at Hayes & Hayward Media, and I’ll prove it—even if it means going head-to-head with Leo’s father.

Chapter fourteen

Cora

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