A Divorce He Regrets

Chapter 51:

The address Vanessa had texted me led to an exclusive restaurant—a place dripping with wealth and pretension. It was the kind of place where people whispered instead of spoke, and waiters glided rather than walked.

Vanessa was already there, seated at a table near the back. She looked smug, her crimson lips curling into a smirk the moment she saw me.

“Well, well,” she drawled as I approached. “Took you long enough. Hope you don’t mind taking care of the bill. I’ve been here an hour and got hungry. After all, I hear you’re a Graham now.”

I clenched my jaw but didn’t rise to the bait. “Where’s the SD card?” I demanded, sliding into the seat opposite her.

Vanessa waved a manicured hand dismissively. “Relax, Raina. Order something. Let’s enjoy this little reunion. After all, we’re going to be in-laws again.”

My stomach churned at the implication. I frowned deeply. “There is no way in hell I’m ever getting back with your brother.”

Her laugh was soft and sweet, but there was a sinister edge to it. “Oh, silly Raina, I wasn’t talking about Alex.”

Confusion flickered across my face before realization dawned.

“Dominic,” she clarified, her eyes gleaming with twisted glee. “Now that I know he’s not your lover, I finally have my chance. And you’re going to set up a meeting for us.”

My jaw tightened. I thought to myself that only if Dominic were physically blind would this be possible. He adored Faith, and Vanessa’s self-absorbed arrogance was no match for the kind of love they shared.

I nearly laughed in her face. The idea of Dominic—a married man who had just welcomed his child into the world—falling for Vanessa was beyond absurd.

I stared at her, incredulous. “You’re insane,” I said bluntly.

“Maybe,” she replied with a shrug, unbothered. “But one date is all I need. You set it up, and I’ll give Dominic the SD card to give to you. Out of trust, of course.”

N𝑒w 𝒸h𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇s rєlєasєd 𝒶t g𝓐l𝓷ovєls.𝓬○𝓶

Trust? The word was laughable coming from her. She had no idea what it meant.

“Why should I believe you won’t just destroy the card or hold it over me again?” I challenged.

“Because I want Dominic,” she said simply, as if that was reason enough. “Help me, and you’ll get your precious card. Don’t, and I’ll make sure you never lay your eyes on it.”

“Fine,” I said, forcing the word through gritted teeth. “I’ll talk to him. But if you try to fool me…”noveldrama

Vanessa cut me off with a saccharine smile. “Don’t worry, dear. You’ll get your precious SD card. And Dominic will get me. Everybody wins.”

The sheer audacity of this woman was staggering.

Before I could leave, I asked, “How did you even know about the recording?”

Vanessa’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, as if she’d been waiting for that question. “Oh, that. I was at the hospital when it happened. I saw you drop your phone, so I picked it up. Imagine my surprise when I saw what you’d recorded. And really, Raina, no password? Tsk, tsk.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Ava plays on my phone,” I muttered under my breath.

Vanessa leaned back in her chair, smug as ever. “When I heard Eliza’s plan fell through, I figured you’d come looking for the video eventually. I just happened to… expedite things.”

“And what about Eliza?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

Vanessa shrugged nonchalantly. “Eliza’s plans were hers, not mine. I only went along because I didn’t know you were a Graham. Now, my love for Dominic far outweighs any loyalty to her. The bitch can burn for all I care.”

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