Page 107 of Shattering

She pressed play.

Vanessa's voice filled the room—low, silky, full of venom.

"You know that. And I know that. But will Cadi believe it? The woman is always right. Just a small allegation of sexual misconduct and boom—there goes your life, Gray."

Cadi's jaw clenched.

Then, without hesitation, she hissed, "That bitch. I wish I could smack her stupid face."

Gray leaned against the counter. "Aye. Get in line."

Cadi shook her head. "She always seemed so sane."

Gray chuckled darkly. "She's off her rocker, that's for sure."

Cadi exhaled sharply, pressing stop on the recording. Hearing it out loud made it real. How easily Vanessa could have ruined their lives. A stain like that does not wash away.

She turned back to him, crossing her arms. "And since we're talkin' about Vanessa... why exactly did you tell one of the board members that she was best for the diversity post? I know you are entitled to your professional opinions...but not in this. I am your wife. Who does that?"

Gray let out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Regan again?"

Cadi narrowed her eyes. "Of course."

Gray crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "She should have told you the whole conversation."

Cadi raised a brow. "Go on."

Gray exhaled. "It started with, 'Your wife is up for the role,' to which I told him that ye would be the best at it."

Cadi's lips twitched slightly, but she stayed silent.

Gray continued, "Then he asked a leading question about Vanessa, to which I gave him a diplomatic answer—'Yes, Vanessa is also very good.'" He held her gaze, his voice calm but firm. "I couldn't just say, 'Choose my wife and only my wife.' It would have been weird. And ye know I'd never interfere with somethin' like that. I would never do that to you professionally."

Cadi let out a breath, tension easing from her shoulders. "Well... I'm still glad I didn't take it."

Gray tilted his head. "Ye would have made an amazin' diversity lead."

Cadi folded the dishtowel. "I'll just work behind the scenes."

Gray arched a brow as he reached for the next plate. "Ye're too brilliant to be in the background, a ghrá."

Cadi rolled her eyes, and put on a long-suffering expression. "I just can't take the stress. I think you're enough stress and melodrama for the both of us."

Gray let out a mock gasp, placing a hand over his chest. "Excuse me? I am a very low-maintenance husband."

Cadi snorted. "Sure, Gray. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Gray watched her carefully before reaching for her hand. "Come sit with me."

She raised an eyebrow. "We've got dishes to finish."

He ignored that completely, tugging her gently toward the sofa. "Sit. The dishes can wait."

She sighed, allowing him to pull her down beside him.

Gray turned, face serious now. "I feel like we're not movin' forward, Cadi. Be straight with me—what's the problem?"

Cadi just looked down at her hands.

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