The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda (speld decodable readers txt) 📕

office. I’m an idiot. I thought she was here to retrieve some personal items, but she’s sitting behind John’s desk right now acting like she owns the place.”

“She is under the presumption that EventCo is half hers. It’s unbearable.”

“John was better than this. He wasn’t thinking right.” Lance was John’s best friend at work, maybe in life, since there wasn’t much time for anyone else once Tish arrived.

I take a deep breath. I have an idea, one that had been forming since John’s death but has become urgent now that Tish is squatting in John’s office. “I am going to buy more shares of EventCo. In the open market.”

“I understand why you’d want to, but no one entity can purchase five percent or more without triggering reporting,” Lance says. I can hear the worry in his voice. “It’s a good idea, Kate, if you can find a way to do it. Let me know if you need my help.”

I don’t need anyone’s help. “I have shell companies. I can handle the purchases through them. And under Ashlyn’s name. It’s totally legal, but I know it would look bad if it was revealed to investors.”

Lance exhales into the phone. “Got it. I know you don’t want an SEC investigation. That’s the last thing we need.”

I’m not stupid. Not when it comes to my money or my company. “The last thing we needed was Tish. But I hear you, I’ll be careful. What I need you to do is to keep an eye on the unhinged woman in the corner office.”

“I will. Sandra is, too. From my office I can see Sandra watching Tish like a hawk. She’s working from the atrium, a direct view into John’s office. That will drive Tish crazy.”

“If only that would scare her off.” If only. “Talk to you later. And let me know if the employees come to you. Tell anyone who asks this situation is temporary. And under no circumstances will anyone speak to the media.”

“Got it. On it.”

I work fast, buying a controlling share of my own company, just in case. At least I know it’s a great investment.

Two can play this game. I stand up and stretch, roll my head from side to side. Only one of us knows what she’s doing in the business world, and that’s me. With the stocks purchased, I focus on the fake will in front of me. The notary’s name is Angie Ball of Columbus, Ohio. Her office is just around the corner from EventCo. Perfect. As I walk past her desk, Nancy asks, “Where are you going? You shouldn’t leave with that one still here.”

“I’ll be right back. I just need some fresh air,” I say. “Call me if she tries anything. It looks like she’s just hiding out in John’s office.”

I will not be outplayed. Never. Game on, Tish.

CHAPTER 38

TISH

George has terrible breath, like stale cigar smoke and pickles. I’m standing next to him, and I’m dying.

“I told your momma that she shouldn’t take any spam callers. I told her what we said all along. If she tries to contact you, I’ll take her house and everything she owns,” he says. His voice has lost all the southern charm he used when Kate and crew were in my office. “I suspect she’ll listen.”

“I guess you can go then. I’m all set here.” I smile and extend my hand. “Thanks again for everything. Bill me. I’ll be in touch if I need you.”

“This isn’t over, sugar. That woman isn’t going to just give up. She’s not as easy to control as your momma. And from the sound of it, neither is her daughter.” George shakes his head.

I lower my voice. “Look, I’m a step ahead of Kate. Just go. I need to look like I’m standing on my own two feet here, so you lurking around isn’t helping. Stay away unless I call you. Get it?”

“Sure. Got it,” George says. “You’re going to need me. Be in touch, sugar.”

George pushes on the glass door, and I watch him descend the stairs. I hope everything is as he promises. I don’t want to need him again.

Because the thing is, some people stick around unless you force them to go away. Maybe Kate feels that way about me, like she was finally finished with me after the funeral and then poof, I appear in John’s office. But you see, this isn’t really about Kate, not really. I’ve already won the Kate versus Tish match. No, this is about me. My needs. So I’ll stick around long enough for all of my stock shares to vest. Long enough to feel what it’s like to be a big-time executive. If I like it, I’ll stay for good. Power is sexy.

And besides, it’s nice here. Not the work part, but the dressing up and coming to a spacious office and being the president part. That I think I will like very much.

I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the glass door. Not bad. In the mirror’s reflection I see stupid Sandra is sitting on the atrium couch, and she’s still watching me. Whatever. Enjoy the view, Sandra.

I wish I had someone to go to lunch with. That’s what executives like me do at this time of day.

Behind Sandra, handsome Lance walks into the lobby. I wonder if he’s single. His dark skin glows against a white button-down and jeans. I’ve never dated a bald guy.

“Hey, Lance,” I say as I hurry into the atrium.

He sees me, and his face falls into a frown. “Why are you here? What are you trying to do?”

“I’d love to take you to lunch. Discuss the future. Explain everything. How about it?”

“What? No. I have plans,” he stammers.

Weenie.

I ignore him and walk out the door. The adrenaline rush has subsided, and I’m beyond exhausted. But I need to keep up my charm today. Maybe I’ll go home for lunch, get a little rest, and then come back. That way, I can