I Was Seated Alone at My Son’s Wedding — Then a Stranger Said ‘Act Like You’re With Me’

“You know exactly what you’re doing.”

“My husband’s business is being threatened because you’ve decided to use your friendship with Mr. Blackwood as some kind of revenge against Viven.”

“Revenge is such a dramatic word,” I said mildly.

“I prefer to think of it as natural consequences.”

“This is extortion.”

“No, this is business.”

“Theodore purchased a building, which is his right as a private citizen.”

“The fact that your husband’s company happens to be a tenant in that building is simply unfortunate timing.”

Catherine’s eyes narrowed.

“We both know this isn’t about timing.”

“This is about Viven’s comment at the wedding.”

“Oh, you heard about that?”

I asked with false surprise.

“How embarrassing for your family.”

“Look,” Catherine said, leaning forward with the intensity of someone playing their final card.

“I don’t know what your game is here, but I’m prepared to make this worth your while.”

Now, this was interesting.

Worth my while.

“How?”

She reached into her designer handbag and pulled out what appeared to be a check.

“$50,000.”

“All you have to do is convince your boyfriend to honor the existing lease with Ashworth Properties.”

I stared at the check, genuinely shocked.

Not by the amount, but by the sheer audacity of the gesture.

“Mrs. Ashworth, are you attempting to bribe me?”

“I’m offering you a mutually beneficial arrangement,” she corrected smoothly.