Page 45

CALEB TOOK THE STAGEand while he gave his introductory speech, I snuck around to the back to make sure everything was running smoothly.

There were models everywhere, and everyone, designers included, was running around in a frenzy to get ready. I checked in with one of our event management staffers, and when I was satisfied that I wasn’t really needed I slipped out of the backstage area and down the curtained off hallway towards the bathroom. I stopped short when I heard arguing, walking closer to where it was coming from.

“I know all about the stupid scheme you and Caleb cooked up.” Was that Jennifer’s voice?

“Oh please, you have no proof whatsoever. And in any event, what happens between Kadence, and Caleb has nothing to do with you. He slept with you once, and last time I checked that doesn’t entitle you to anything.”

Macy. That was Macy’s voice.

I rounded the corner, and found Jennifer and Macy in a standoff. Even at eight months pregnant Macy looked ready to smash Jennifer’s head against the wall.

“What are you doing?” I asked loudly, approaching them. Jennifer’s head snapped around, and her expression twisted into an unnatural scowl. She was clearly unhappy to see me.

“Ah, just the person I wanted to see.”

“Are you okay, Macy?” I looked at my boss. Her face was a little red, and her right hand was cradling her belly.

She nodded. “I’m fine, but I think it’s time Jennifer was escorted out of here. She’s had a little too much to drink, and her conduct is far from befitting of a Callahan Industries employee.”

“It would be my pleasure,” I said, turning on my heel to find security. Unfortunately, I didn’t get very far. Jennifer wrapped her cold hand around my arm, and pulled me back.

“Not so fast,” she bit out. “We have something to discuss.” Her lips formed a maniacal smile as she folded her arms across her chest. Her bedazzled bodice could barely contain her surgically enhanced chest, and when I looked her over I noticed the slit in her dress that stopped just above her hip. She looked like a high-priced hooker.

“There is absolutely nothing we could possibly have to talk about, so why not do us all a favor and leave before I have security remove you for harassing a pregnant woman.” I glared. Jennifer was nothing more than a bitch with a chip on her shoulder, and I refused to cower away from her. She didn’t scare me, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t wary of her.

“I’ll make it quick,” she sneered. My hackles rose. “End whatever it is that you have going on with Caleb, or I’ll tell everyone that this whole ‘relationship’ is a publicity stunt.”

I stared, and when I had no reply, Jennifer’s expression changed to one of victory and satisfaction.

“Or perhaps it’s the fact that you’re an Archer that will really get their interest. I wonder how the public will feel about you when they find out it was your father who tore New York’s most beloved family apart by screwing Caleb’s mother.”

I searched my mind for a retort, unwilling to give Jennifer any indication that I was faltering under her threat.

“Tell them what you want,” I replied, trying to sound more fortified than I felt. “They won’t see you as more than a scorned lover out to ruin Caleb, and if you think that will make them feel sorry for you, then you’re crazier than I thought.”

My heart raced, and I thought about how horribly wrong everything could turn out if Jennifer was serious about her threat. I didn’t have anything to hide, but if the press found out about my family’s history with Caleb’s, it wouldn’t bode well with the Board we were trying to win over.

“Last chance, Blondie. Either you quit your job at Callahan industries, and leave Caleb, or I spill. Everything. Your name won’t be worth shit by the time I’m done with you.”

I stepped closer, and mustered all the faux courage my body could carry. “Go ahead. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m sure as hell not leaving Caleb.”

The hellish determination in my voice surprised even me, and when I cast a quick glance at Macy, her expression was one of knowing. Like she expected me to fight for Caleb, and a relationship that we both knew wasn’t real.

Jennifer opened her mouth, ready to spew whatever bullshit had popped into her head, when Macy bent over and whimpered.

I pushed Jennifer out of the way, and if I had time to enjoy the way she tittered vicariously on her hooker heals I would have, but I was a little too concerned with the pain on Macy’s face.

“Oh dear,” she breathed. “Houston, we have a problem.”

“Okay,” I wrapped my right arm around her shoulders, and gave her my left hand to hold on to. “Let’s get you out of here.” We passed Jennifer, and the poor woman looked horrified.

“Shame on you,” I taunted. “Going after a pregnant woman is a new low for you, Jen.”

“But I didn’t,” she stuttered. “It’s not my fault.”

“Have fun proving that.”

I walked Macy to the back exit, and took my phone from my clutch to call an ambulance, and then called Macy’s husband, Drew. Poor guy flipped out on the phone, but I assured him I wasn’t going to leave Macy’s side until we got to the hospital. I didn’t have time to find Caleb, and because I knew he was busy with the show, I didn’t bother calling him. My concern was that Macy and her baby were okay. Caleb could wait.