Chapter 13: The Prey Takes the Bait
310words
Mia interjected sourly, "Darling, we should head home now."
Michael dismissed her with an impatient wave. "Go ahead without me. I have business matters to discuss."
Mia shot Zoe a venomous glare before reluctantly departing.
"Ms. Taylor," Michael edged closer, his breath heavy with expensive scotch, "you're the most exquisite woman I've ever laid eyes on."
"Your wife is carrying your child, Mr. Davis." Zoe feigned discomfort.
Michael's smile turned contemptuous. "That woman is merely a means to an end. She served her purpose, now she's just window dressing."
"I don't understand," Zoe said, affecting innocence.
"Business matters." Michael's smile turned cryptic. "After my first wife's unfortunate accident, Mia proved quite... useful."
Rage boiled inside Zoe, but her expression remained perfectly composed. "Mr. Davis, what a strange sense of humor you have."
"Perhaps we could meet somewhere more private?" Michael pressed his card into her hand, deliberately caressing her palm. "I have access to an exclusive club. Very discreet."
Zoe accepted the card, disgust flashing briefly in her eyes before she lowered them demurely. "I'm not sure that would be appropriate..."
"Don't worry," Michael said with arrogant confidence. "I'll handle everything. You deserve better than Jack Thompson."
In the car, Zoe flicked Michael's business card to Jack. "He's even more repulsive than I remembered."
"What did he say?" Jack asked.
"He called Mia 'just a tool' who helped him get what he wanted." Zoe's lip curled in disgust. "They plotted my murder together, and now they're ready to stab each other in the back."
Jack took her trembling hand in his. "They'll harvest exactly what they've planted."
Zoe stared out at the passing city lights. "I once believed he loved me. Now I just want to watch him burn."
