Page 29 of The Next Door Billionaire's Deception

“There’s not—ok maybe there might be something. Understand this. There’s someone you’re skeptical about because you feel the person might be shady and all, but you eventually find out that the person is family with someone so close to you. How do you handle that?”

“Hmm. That complicates things.”You have no idea, Alex.“But in the end, the right thing must be done. Even if tails that aren’t meant to be stepped on are. The right thing over sentiment, anytime.”

Easy for him to say. I know just how protective Alex can be from his experience with his love interests.

If I expose Emerald, in some way or other, Melissa will be involved, even if she’s not part of the underground dealings. And if anything happened to Melissa, I won’t be able to face Alex.

A decision has to be made.

“Thanks for the advice. I’ll talk to you later Lex.”

I end the call, then rise to pace.

Conflicting thoughts battle for control in my head. A part of me wants to leave Emerald as it is, and another part wants me to go through with my agenda.

I’ve come too far to fear repercussions. I will do whatever it takes to get Emerald and Vibrant merged. If it meant I must burn old bridges, so be it.

Chapter 10

Melissa

AnotherSaturdaymorning.Themorning air blows through my window, glints of sunlight bouncing off the glass and into my eyes.

A good morning for some yoga. I start the day off with a couple of stretches and exercises. I’m about to go on my regular jog when I see him.

Wearing a tight-fitting merino wool long-sleeved t-shirt over a pair of jogging shorts, which gives me a tantalizing glimpse of thigh muscle, his face glistening with sweat, Richard is a sight for sore eyes. He spots me and runs over.

“Hey there, Melissa,” he says, giving me a lookover, “nice outfit you got there.”

I flush red. A part of me is glad I picked the matching green-blue jogging sports bra and tights.

“Thanks. You look good yourself.”

“Hey, I see you’re about to jog. Already went a round myself.”

“Well, I like keeping fit. ”

“Same here. It helps keep me on track, if you get what I mean. Hey, wanna go? I’ll race you. Don’t worry. I’ll go easy.”

That draws a giggle from me. “Sure. Let's make a deal. Breakfast is on the loser.”

“Deal.”

Jogging together through the Heights, we laugh as each of us breaks into a run, trying to outrun the other.

I win our little race by mere seconds. I lean against a lamppost, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart as I reach the apartment. I suspect he took it easy on me, however. Richard is breathing just fine as he catches up to me.

“Looks like I’m beaten. That settles it. Breakfast is on me. Hey, I have this new pie recipe I’ve gotta try out. Are you down with helping me on that?”

It’s as harmless an offer as they come. Why not?

“You bet.”

I head back to my apartment to wash up and change.

In the shower, as the drops of water hit my body in relentless drizzles, Richard comes to my mind again.

During his visit yesterday, we didn’t approach the subject of his snooping around. Instead, the subject of conversation was our brother Alex.

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