The words did not leave the room.
They stayed.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
"The night I paid Cynthia off. Jackson was there because of his percentage," Sebastian began, his voice low, steady, but carrying weight. "I paid everything without holding anything back. Even before that, Cynthia had shown interest in me. I shut her down every time and reminded her of the business. She looked cold, bitter. I remember her saying, 'How lucky you, Vivian. If only I could have a man like you.' I told her, 'God will send her partner.' Jackson noticed. He saw Cynthia was unhappy that her deal with me was over. She wanted it to continue. I didn't know Jackson and Cynthia were planning something."
Vivian's chest tightened.
