The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 139

Suzie’s voice was soft and gentle, a syrupy-sweet performance that made her own skin crawl. Was it enough to pass for a damsel in distress? She thought so. Was it enough to make Chloe’s stomach turn? Absolutely.

Jamie, however, was speechless.

Her sudden closeness had caught him off guard. He instinctively wrapped an arm around her, pulling her tightly into his embrace. Looking down, he saw her silky hair cascading over his arm like a waterfall. Perhaps it was the good night’s sleep and the hearty meal, but her complexion had color in it again, and her skin looked unusually bright and alive. And her eyes… they were shimmering with a soft, captivating allure.

He never knew that the prickly Suzie had such a seductive side.

Jamie’s throat tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as a predatory glint flickered in his eyes. If they weren’t surrounded by people, he might have devoured this little vixen right then and there.

After a long moment, he finally cleared his throat. “The Baylor family is known for repaying kindness, but we also settle every score.”

As his words fell, Suzie turned to him and smiled sweetly.

On the surface, she was a picture of tender, pliant charm. Inside, her mind was racing, calculating how to make sure everyone who had humiliated and framed her received their just punishment. She was not a manipulative person, nor did she ever want to be, but she would put on this show for Chloe’s benefit.

The words Chloe had whispered in her ear still stung, each one a dagger to her heart. Chloe loved Jamie, didn't she? Claimed she had slept with him? Then this scene must be making her grit her teeth in fury.

At that thought, Suzie's gaze darkened. These people had shattered the peaceful life she had worked so hard to build. Worse, they had led Jamie to discover her children, putting her at risk of losing them.

After quickly reining in her turbulent emotions, she slowly turned her gaze back to Chloe. A triumphant smile spread across her face as she asked coolly, “Ms. Lockwood, you heard what Jamie said, didn't you?”

Before Chloe could respond, Lexi grabbed her arm, pleading, “Chloe, help me! Please, say something for me!”

Lexi was terrified. There was something about Suzie today that was utterly unnerving. The woman who had seemed so meek and timid yesterday in front of her and Chloe had transformed overnight. Something was wrong, deeply wrong.

And the relationship between Suzie and Jamie was nothing like what Chloe had described. The powerful, aloof man seemed completely captivated by Suzie. This didn't look like a loveless, divorced couple.