Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 101

CHAPTER 63-2

More than I can count.” I said.

“Why didn’t you show me these yesterday?” He asked.

“Because you asked about my work and I assumed you wanted to judge the garage based on what

you saw.” I said so he closed the portfolio.

“Whoever contacted me knew enough about the business to make the accusations sound

believable.” He said.

“I understand.” I said.

“They also claimed your uncle left you the business because he didn’t think you could succeed

anywhere else.” He said and my expression hardened.

“That part isn’t true.” I said.

“I suspected it wasn’t. I shouldn’t have questioned you without investigating first.” He said and

Oliver looked genuinely uncomfortable.

“I understand why you did.” I said.

“I’ve made expensive mistakes before. I don’t intend to make another one.” He said as he stood as

he extended his hand.

“I apologize.” He added and I shook it.

“Thank you.” I said.

“The contract stays exactly as agreed.” He said and relief washed through me.

“I appreciate that.” I said.

“I’ll also be recommending you to two other collectors.” He said.

“Really?” I asked and he smiled.

“I believe good work deserves good publicity.” He said.

After Oliver left, Ben appeared in the doorway.

“What happened?” Ben asked and I smiled.

“Someone tried to convince him I’m not qualified.” I said and Ben’s eyebrows rose.

“Who?” He asked.

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CHAPTER 63 2

“We don’t know.” I said.

“Did it work?” He asked.

“No.” I said and he grinned.

“I knew it wouldn’t.” He said as Mia appeared behind him.

“Was it Charlotte?” Mia asked and the question stopped me.

I hadn’t said her name. But Mia knew.

“I don’t know.” I said as she crossed her arms.

“Do you have a guess?” Mia asked and I sighed.

“Yes.” I said.

The answer hurt more because it came so easily.

Charlotte. Again.

Clairri

She had already tried to undermine the garage with our parents. She had damaged my motorcycle. She had contacted Victor Kane and now she was trying to destroy my reputation.

I looked through the office window toward the vintage motorcycle.

“She’s running out of ways to hurt me.” I said and Mia shook her head.

“Then she’ll probably invent new ones.” Mia said.

The rest of the day passed without another interruption. I returned to work and the restoration

slowly began.

By late afternoon, the engine was removed from the frame and placed carefully on the workbench.

I felt proud. Not because Charlotte had failed but because I hadn’t let her define me.

That evening, across town, Charlotte sat alone in her apartment with her phone resting on the

I table.

She stared at the message she had received from Oliver.

I have decided to continue working with Paige Lawson.

Her fingers tightened around the phone. She had expected doubt. She had expected the contract to disappear. Instead, Paige had somehow turned the attack into another opportunity.

Charlotte stood and walked toward the window. The city lights reflected against the glass while she watched traffic move below. Her first attempt had failed. Her second had failed. Her warnings

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CHAPTER 63 2

had been ignored and even Tyler had turned against her.

She felt something unfamiliar beginning to replace her anger. Fear.

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