Page 26 of Beyond the Hate

“Destroyed.”

“How unfortunate. But it’s not surprising. The structure was not hurricane proof.”

“I agree but I’m not saying a word to him about it.”

“Paisley!” a man shouts.

“Thanks for your help. Flynn needs me.”

She walks off but I stop her with a question. “Aren’t you going to consider my offer?”

“Why? So you can lord it over me about how you’re a billionaire and your business is more successful than mine?” She shakes his head. “No thanks.”

“I’m not lording my money over you.”

“Okay,” she says but she clearly doesn’t believe me. “Thanks for your offer but I don’t need a man to save me.”

“I’m not trying to…” I trail off when she stalks away.

I growl. Stubborn woman. Why won’t she accept my help? It could be months before the insurance company reviews their claim, let alone pays out.

She’s letting her hatred of me cloud her vision. And why does she hate me anyway? We were friends once in high school. Is it pure jealousy?

I don’t know but I’m making it my mission to find out.

Chapter 9

“I’m beginning to understand the appeal of stomping your foot in frustration.” ~ Paisley

Paisley

I collapse in a booth next to Nova and her baby daughter, Iliana. Chloe sets a beer in front of me and I sip on it as I study the interior of theFive Fathomsrestaurant.

“It looks good in here.”

“We were lucky,” Chloe says. “Besides some broken glass and general dirt and debris, there wasn’t much damage.”

While I’ve spent the day removing the remnants of the roof from the parking lot and surrounding area, Chloe and Maya have cleaned up the restaurant to get it ready to reopen as soon as possible. Which is a relief since we’ll be relying on the revenue from the bar and restaurant for a while.

“I heard a rumor,” Nova says as she bounces Iliana on her lap.

“I’m surprised Hudson allowed you to keep Iliana with you all day,” I say since I’m afraid I know exactly what rumor she’s referringto.

“Hudson does love his baby girl.” Nova lifts Iliana in the air and kisses her cheeks with loud smacks.

“I want to know what this rumor is.” Chloe’s eyes sparkle with mischief.

Sophia juts her hand into the air. “Me too.”

“Me three,” Maya adds.

“Rumors can cause stress, anxiety, and physical and mental strain.”

“She’s cute. Isn’t she cute?” Chloe bumps Sophia’s shoulder who nods in agreement.

“I’m not being cute. I’m merely stating how rumors can have negative impacts.”

Nova clears her throat. “Why don’t we find out if this rumor is true?”

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