Page 185 of The Re-Proposal

“From now on, I’ll share relevant information with you.”

“Allinformation.”

Cody presses in. “We can negotiate the terms—”

“Ehem.” Vargas clears his throat again.

Cody and I glance his way.

“Can you not flirt right in front of me when we’re discussing a potential threat? That would be great.”

I lift my chin. “What did your investigation on Motorcycle Guy yield?”

“You have evidence that Winifred hired him?” Cody adds.

“We have evidence they’re associated, but we don’t believe he was hired by Winifred. We think he’s workingwithWinifred.” Vargas scratches his chin. “We’re trying to figure out how many people in the hate group are an active threat against you.”

Cody’s fingers tighten on my waist. “I see. How does this play into Winifred’s next move?”

“Winifred seems to be the leader of the group. The posts before he joined were bitter against you but pretty harmless. Winifred was the one who got them organized and elevated the threats.”

Cody’s eyes narrow. “That’s why the online campaigns against me felt so intentional.”

“And why the window and ice cream incident did not. These guys aren’t professionals. They’re just fueled by rage and playing blame games.” Vargas shakes his head. “Winifred’s got more to lose. He’s using them for something.”

“Whatever Winifred wants, he won’t succeed,” Cody promises, a determined look in his eyes.

My phone rings.

“It’s my mom,” I mouth, taking a step away and putting the phone to my ear. “Mom, hi…”

“Why the heck are photos of you and Cody Bolton everywhere online?”

My lashes flutter. “Someone took photos of us?”

Cody gives me a puzzled look.

I shake my head.

“You really think galavanting around with a billionaire won’t get you photographed, Clarissa? Have you lost your mind? Wait. Don’t answer that. I know you have.”

“Mom,” I groan.

“What is going on out there?”

“Nothing, I…” My eyes meet Cody’s. “It’s nothing.”

“Fine. Then I can see thatnothingfor myself.”

Every muscle in my body tenses. “What does that mean?”

“I’m coming to town, sweetie. And you better have some big flipping answers when I do!”

21

THE INTERVIEW

CODY

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