The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 74

Jorge's expression shifted instantly. "I've got it. This card belongs to Mr. Myers. He usually gives it to his wife, though. Recent transactions show Mrs. Myers has been the one using it."

His eyes narrowed as he fixed them on Stefan. "Explain yourself. How did Mr. Myers' card end up in your hands?"

Britton's jaw dropped. "Wait—this is the mayor's card?"

Christy's eyes glittered with malice. "He just got out of prison. We all know what kind of people criminals are. He must have stolen it."

"That's it." Britton's voice rose with vindication. "He stole the mayor's card. You've got some nerve, you ex-con scum. A leopard never changes its spots. People like you belong behind bars."

"That's a lie!"

Eliza's voice cut through the room, sharp with anger. "Stefan would never steal anything. Never."

"A lie?" Christy's laugh was ugly. "The evidence is right there. If he didn't steal it, how did it end up in his hands? Don't tell me the mayor's wife gave it to him. That's ridiculous. Eliza, I didn't realize your taste in men was this pathetic—dating a common thief."

"It's not ridiculous at all." Stefan's voice was calm. "Mrs. Myers did give it to me."

Jorge scoffed. "Preposterous. Do you have any idea who you are versus who she is? Why would someone of her stature give a card like this to a freshly released ex-convict?"

He took a step forward, his voice hardening. "I know the Stewart family head. For his sake, I'll give you one chance. Tell the truth, and I might go easy on you. Otherwise—" He let the threat hang. "You're finished."

Stefan looked at him with an expression bordering on amusement. "Some people just can't help being arrogant." He leaned back. "Fine. Let's see how 'finished' I am. But when this blows up in your faces, don't come crying to me. It'll be too late by then."

Britton burst out laughing.

"Listen to him! Delusional to the very end. You're about to be arrested, and you're still running your mouth like you're somebody."

Jorge's eyes went cold. "If that's how you want to play it."

He pulled out his phone. He'd report this to the Marevia Consortium board. They'd contact the mayor directly. Soon, Consortium bigwigs and city enforcement would be here to haul this criminal away.

In the rear garden, Eleanor was receiving a guest of her own.

The woman sitting across from her was the kind of beautiful that made people stop and stare. Ripe as a peach, curves in all the right places, wrapped in a charcoal gray skirt suit that hugged every inch of her. The jacket cinched at a waist so small it seemed almost impossible. The blouse beneath strained gently over her chest. Seated on a cushioned chair, the curve of her hip pressed against the fabric in a way that was somehow both professional and distracting.

All that elegance, all that sensuality, barely contained by business attire. It only made her more compelling.

"Megan." Eleanor smiled warmly. "I thought you were busy in Mound City. What brings you to River City all of a sudden?"

Megan Davis' face broke into a smile—the kind that could stop traffic. Her eyes curved, her features softening into something effortlessly alluring. "It's been over a year since you came back to Mound City, Eleanor." Her voice was soft, warm. "I missed you."

Eleanor rolled her eyes.

"Please. Everyone knows you eat, sleep, and breathe work. You're basically running the Spencer family empire in Mound City on your own. When would you even have time to miss anyone?" She arched an eyebrow. "You're here for a reason, aren't you? Spill."

Megan's eyes—with that permanent hint of mystery—flickered with something between amusement and mischief. The corners tilted up just slightly, giving her an expression that could mean absolutely anything. Her voice dropped to something softer, almost teasing. "Can't it be both? I miss you, and I have business here."