hapter 12 As Long as the Money’s in Place, Anything Can Be Discussed
Hailey froze, clearly not expecting Tracy to chase after her-let alone speak to her in such a
way.
This wasn’t the same Tracy she remembered.
In the past, Tracy had always been timid and deferential around her, bending low, eager to please, disgusting in her obsequiousness. That Tracy had been easy to trample on.
But now? Cold, composed, and unflinching. It was as if she had transformed in just a few days.
Yvonne’s hand tightened nervously around Hailey’s. She whispered, “Who is she?”
Hailey tugged her toward the exit, still feigning ignorance. “I don’t know her. Must be some lunatic dreaming of money. Thirty million? Why not rob a bank?”
Tracy didn’t even blink, leaving Natalie fuming but entertained at the spectacle.
Calmly, she slipped a folded document from her bag, lips curving in a cold smile. “Really, Ms. Hailey? Don’t forget-we signed a contract. Why don’t you let the young lady here take a look? See if anything seems off to her?”
Yvonne’s heart lurched. There was threat woven into every word.
Secrets lay between them-things no one else could know.
Hailey turned to Yvonne, puzzled. “You know her?”
To her knowledge, Yvonne was the cherished daughter of the illustrious Xander family. And Tracy? A penniless orphan, with no father or mother behind her. How could she possibly be acquainted with someone of Yvonne’s status?
She had opposed her son’s marriage to Tracy for that very reason-Tracy offered no benefit, no support for his career.
Yvonne, with her lineage, was the kind of woman worthy of him.
Once the divorce cooling-off period ended and the certificate was in hand, they’d finally be rid of Tracy for good.
Yvonne squeezed her hand tighter, flustered. “Ms. Hailey, I—I don’t know her. Maybe she’s seen pictures of me online and thinks she recognizes me.”
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Chapter 12 As Long as the Money’s in Place, Anything Can Be Discu…
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Hailey nodded, satisfied with that explanation. Yes, that made sense. A girl like Tracy, low-born and unpresentable, could never move in the same circles as the Xander heiress.
Still, she clutched her handbag tightly, unease prickling as Tracy’s heels clicked closer across the tiles—each sharp “tock” echoing like a hammer against her heart.
At last Tracy stopped before them, contract in hand, her eyes cold. “You don’t want to acknowledge me? Fine. I’m reasonable enough. But you know me-I can be a bit stubborn. If I say something I shouldn’t, or do something I shouldn’t, don’t take it too personally.”
Her smile was razor-thin.
“For example… I could send this contract straight to the Xander family. Let them read it for themselves. Maybe drop a few words about your little arrangements and see how quickly that marriage alliance falls apart.”
“Or I could take it to court. Make sure everyone knows the secrets you’ve been hiding.”
“Either way, the result is the same-I’ll get my money back. Don’t you agree?”
Her meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
Hailey broke into a cold sweat. It was outright blackmail, but with the contract in Tracy’s hand, she had no room to resist.
Yvonne clutched her arm, whispering fearfully, “Ms. Hailey…”
Hailey gritted her teeth. “Fine. You want money? I’ll give it. But you have to destroy the contract.”
Thirty million was a painful sum. The thought of losing it made her stomach twist. But thirty million was also the price of peace-an easy way to buy Tracy off and rid themselves of her for good. With the Xanders’ power to lean on in the future, what was thirty million now? They could earn it back a hundred times over.
Tracy’s smile widened. “There, wasn’t that easy? You want me to tear it up? No problem. It’s just past three-the bank’s still open. We can transfer it now.”
“Once the money hits my account, I’ll tear this contract to shreds in front of you. I always keep my word.”
Hailey believed her. She had no choice. Together they went to the nearest bank, and Hailey made the transfer.
When the notification buzzed on her phone, Tracy’s lips curved in triumph. She ripped the
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Chapter 12 As Long as the Money’s in Place, Anything Can Be Discu…
contract cleanly down the middle and tossed the pieces into a trash bin.
Hailey winced as though a piece of her own flesh had been cut away.
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But Tracy’s mood soared. She had known all along without pressure, Hailey would never pay
Clutching the transfer slip, Hailey hissed, “Tracy, now we’re even. Don’t cause any more trouble. I have evidence in my hands too.”
Tracy’s smile was cool. “No problem. As long as the money’s in place, anything can be discussed.”
Love was worthless. From now on, she would only believe in
money.
With her account fattened, she patted Natalie’s shoulder. “Hailey just bled thirty million. Tonight, dinner’s on me. We’re going big.”
Natalie grinned, giving her a thumbs up. “You’re brilliant. Using their own secrets against them like that-it’s ruthless, but it works. People like them, you can only beat with their own tricks.”
Tracy chuckled. “Exactly. We gotta fight fire with fire. Otherwise, they’ll think you’re easy prey.”
But just as their laughter rang out, a man’s voice sounded from behind.
“Ms. Xander.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
