Page 81 of Filthy Elites

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Isabelle Maldonaro was here.”

My elation evaporates into thin air, and dread takes its place.

“What?” I ask.

“The promising young violist who sadly passed away last year. I’ve never seen anyone play like her until now.”

“You’re too kind, sir.” I lower my gaze, while I’m trying my best to not freak out.

The store’s front door bangs loudly, making me jump. I glance at the window and see someone familiar speed away.Shit. It looks like Sloane. But it can’t be. Why would she be here?

Unless she followed us.

“We’ll take the violin,” Jason announces.

“Splendid.” The salesman claps his hands.

I’m still in a daze and barely pay attention to what happens next. I don’t even know how I get back into Jason’s car.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“No. He recognized me, Jason.”

“He didn’t, my love.” He reaches for my hand and squeezes it tightly.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I think I saw Sloane at the store.”

“What? Are you sure?”

“Not really. I was panicking. I could have imagined it.”

Jason rubs his face. “I wouldn’t put it past her to follow us here. She did overhear our conversation earlier.”

“I didn’t realize she was in love with you.” I don’t want to sound jealous, but I am.

“More like obsessed, judging by her actions.”

“If she was at the store, then she heard what the sales guy said.”

Jason clenches his jaw so hard that I can almost hear his teeth grind. “This is all my fault. I’m so sorry, babe.”

I look out the window, not wanting him to see the tears gathering in my eyes. I’m more afraid for his safety than mine.

“It’s not your fault,” I reply in a small voice.

“If I hadn’t said your real name in front of her, she wouldn’t be suspicious.”

“So what if she finds out? She doesn’t know about the rest.”

When Jason doesn’t reply, I look at him, and I don’t like what I see. His face is frozen in a cold and determined mask.

“What are you thinking?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“Jason, please don’t lie to me.”

He peels his eyes from the road for a moment. “I’m not. I’m honestly not thinking about anything in particular.”

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