Page 99 of My Big, Fat, Fake Billionaire Wedding

“I heard every word,” I cut him off. My voice is dangerously quiet. “Every. Fucking. Word.”

The careful control I’ve maintained throughout my career, the measured responses, the strategic thinking, the emotional distance, threatens to shatter. My hands curl into fists at my sides, knuckles whitening with the effort of not grabbing him by the throat. I haven’t felt this level of rage since discovering Celeste’s betrayal.

“Take him to the security office,” I tell Michael, forcing myself to step back. “Full detainment protocol. Contact Ella to prepare legal action for corporate espionage, breach of contract, and threatening a company officer.”

Michael nods, professional and efficient, moving to escort Burt toward the door. Ray joins him, grabbing his other arm, and Burt struggles against theirfirm grip, his corporate mask slipping further.

“You’re making a mistake,” he hisses. “She’s manipulating you. Just like Celeste did.”

The mention of Celeste nearly breaks my control. I step forward again, my voice dropping to a whisper only he can hear. “If you ever come near my wife again, legal action will be the least of your concerns.”

Flanked by the building guards, my security team escorts Burt out, leaving Ava and I alone.

The room feels suddenly too quiet, the space between us charged with unspoken emotion.

I turn to Ava, scanning her for any sign of harm. Her face is flushed, her eyes bright with adrenaline, but she appears physically unharmed. Something in my chest tightens at the sight of her standing there, defiant despite the danger.

“Are you all right?” I ask, struggling to keep my voice even.

She nods, her shoulders finally relaxing. “I’m fine. He didn’t touch me. I used the silent alarm app Diana showed me how to install. One tap and it calls you without ringing on my end.”

I nod. That was part of security protocol. Ordinarily it would have been configured to call Diana when tapped. I wonder why Ava set it up to call me, instead? “When did you discover Burt was working with Blackwell?”

“Yesterday. I overheard him on the phone when he was here, then found emails confirming he’s been feeding information to Blackwell for months. He knew about my investigation and threatened me, but I wanted more evidence before telling you.”

My anger surges again. “You should have come to me immediately.”

“I neededto be sure.”

“You needed to be safe,” I snap, running a hand through my hair. “Do you have any idea how fucking dangerous that was? Blackwell has destroyed people for less. And you decided to play detective instead of telling me?”

Her eyes flash. “I wasn’t playing anything. I found actual evidence while you were busy treating Burt like a trusted confidant. Sorry for trying to protect your company.”

“Protect my...” I pace across the living room, struggling to contain my fury. Not at her, but at Burt, at Blackwell, at the situation. “This isn’t about the company. This is about you putting yourself at risk.”

“I can handle myself.”

“Clearly. That’s why Burt cornered you in our home.”

“I handled that, too.” She gestures to her phone. “And did you hear what Burt said? ‘A convenient arrangement that will end when it’s served its purpose.’ Blackwell knows our marriage is fake.”

“He might suspect, but he doesn’t know for sure,” I tell her.

She frowns. “Well, either way, I got him to incriminate himself while you listened. You’re welcome, by the way.”

I stop pacing and look at her. Really look at her. Instead of finding her shaken or scared, she’s vibrant with defiance. Her laptop displays organized folders of evidence against Burt. She hasn’t been cowering. She’s been planning her next move.

Something shifts in my chest. Something dangerous and warm.

“You could have been hurt,” I say more quietly.

“But I wasn’t.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is the point, Gideon?” She stands, facing me directly. “That I should have stayed in my lane? That investigating business matters isn’t in my job description as your fake wife?”

“The point is that I—” I cut myself off, the words I almost said hanging in the air between us.

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