PAYBACK'S A BITCH

the half-empty glass of bourbon on the coffee table, the amber liquid glowing like a faint ember in the dim light. The sound of Janet's suitcase wheel

ilence Janet left behind. The shadows cast by the faint moonlight filtering through the windows seemed to twist and writhe on the

tt. The spark of rage that had been simmering beneath the surface of his emotions ignited, fueled by the memories of the photos he had seen, the evidence of Janet's

little... arrangement by now." The words were a cold, calculated blow, designed to inflict maximum pain. Jonathan's grip

he gripped the phone tighter. "Arr

ng. "Life is a game, my friend. And

oy your victory while it lasts, Jared. You've

composed than that. This isn't about you and me,it's about Janet. Maybe if you'd tre

barely contained fury. "Don't

her out, didn't you? It's what you always do when t

erous growl. "You're a parasite, G

ed shot back, his tone sharpening. "We're not so different,

e phone across the room, watching as it shattered against the wall. His breathing was ragge

t the floral-patterned wallpaper. Her suitcase lay open on the floor, its contents spilling ou

t, she considered ignoring it, but curiosity go

you out. You deserve better,

t hollow, used, and deeply ashamed. Everything Jonathan had sai

essage ca

car for you. You do

wasn't the savior he pretended to be. Yet, the thought of facing this new re

dialed a diff

r voice answered,

" Janet said, he

, her childhood friend, aske

eaming down her face. "I messed up so bad

d before Maria spoke gently. "Whe

oat. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each more damning than the last. He thought of the early

rom his reverie. He glanced at t

rusted confidant and closest friend. Victor's sha

ictor said, stepping in

photos on the coffee table. Victo

. "Janet and Jared? Tha

"He's been circling me for months, waiting for a weaknes

photo aside. "You're better than this, Jona

with the one man I hate most in this world. My company is hanging by a thread, and

n. Hell, you're allowed to be furious. But don't let it consume you. That's e

, his jaw tightening.

eputation. Leave Janet to her choices. If she thinks Jared is her sa

n his mind beginning to turn. He couldn't chang

nt, clutching a mug of tea. Maria sat across from h

an?" Maria asked, b

know. I've lost everything, M

firmly. "You made mistakes,big ones. B

d, tears brimming in her

t just with Jonathan or Jared, but for yourself. You've spent so long

ight. For years, she'd defined herself by her relationshi

ore," Janet admitted, her v

id, her tone gentle but firm. "And thi

ther the fragments of Janet's shattered life. And for the first

he dark horizon, his mind steeled with determination. He

, and himself. And as for Jared Garrett? Jonathan promised hims