Page 7 of The Wife Situation

She glances away, and I can see the anger building behind her eyes. I shouldn’t find her reaction adorable.

“You’ve already wasted enough of my time today.”

“Wow. For a second, I thought you’d be different from the rest of them.”

Her words shouldn’t affect me, but they fucking wound me.

“You thought wrong.”

And when her perfect mouth moves into a firm line, I think she knows she struck a nerve.

“I hope you have the day you deserve, Mr. Calloway.” She mockingly curtsies me, then turns toward the exit.

“Goodbye,Alexis.” It’s the last thing I say before the door slams closed.

I try to relax, feeling the metal on my wrist, the reason for this entire encounter.

I immediately call the concierge. “I’d like to speak to Mr. Martin, please.”

He’s the manager of the hotel, the only man I deal with when on these premises. Because my family’s company is hosting the world’s largest diamond convention at this location, I was compensated for a weekend stay at the Tower Penthouse.

“Yes,Mr. Calloway, one moment.”

I’m placed on hold.

I exclusively stay at this hotel chain when I travel, and considering who I am, I thought my requests during this visit would be taken seriously. The only reason I’m staying on-site instead of at my penthouse is so I didn’t have to travel. It also gives me an escape if the conference grows too overwhelming. As an introvert, I can only handle so much peopling.

While I patiently wait for Mr. Martin, the door opens again. This time, it’s Brody, and he’s carrying a bag of food.

“Special delivery,” he says, holding it up.

When he looks in my direction, he tilts his head. He’s my cousin, and he’s worked for me for fifteen years. He almost knows me better than my identical twin brother, Weston.

I glance at the time; a minute has passed.

Mr. Martin finally answers. He’s lucky; I don’t wait longer than sixty seconds for anyone.

“Mr. Calloway. How may I be of service, sir?”

He’s breathless.

“I’d like an explanation for why your housekeeper—Alexis—entered my room and stole my watch.”

Brody’s jaw drops to the floor.

“Excuse me? Alexis Matthews?” Mr. Martin’s voice rises an octave, which is surprising. He’s usually calm and collected.

He’s concerned. Hell, so am I. But now, I have herfull name.

Alexis Matthews.

“I’ve mentioned countless times that I don’t want to be disturbed in the Tower while I reside here. Over the years, the W has complied with my request without issues. However, what happened today isunacceptable, and I hope you take care of itimmediately.”

There’s a long pause, and I don’t have to threaten to take my business elsewhere. He can read the invisible writing on the wall and already knows what’s on the line. I will move every convention my company hosts for the next two decades to acompetitor who doesn’t hire beautiful little thieves who sneak into guests’ rooms and steal family heirlooms.

“Yes, sir. Please accept my sincerest apologies. This willneverhappen again. Guaranteed.”

“Thank you.” I end the call, then walk to the door and turn the deadbolt. The last thing I need is another person entering without permission.

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