“Mr. Benitez,” Rosalind said, “I’ll leave the agreement to you. I’ll contact you once the power of attorney is signed.”
Eugene raised an eyebrow.“Kicking me out?”
“I have an errand to run.”
“This late? Ms. Johansen, surely you’re not off to meet a lover?”
Rosalind smiled faintly.“I’m going to see a show.”
“Lead the way. I’m going with you.”
Rosalind hadn’t planned on involving Eugene.
But he swiftly shut down her laptop and headed downstairs to his car.
She figured it didn’t matter.“He only dislikes me. Maybe he’d get an early introduction to the future Mrs. Foret,” she thought.
They arrived at the department store half an hour later.
Eugene went to park while Rosalind headed inside.
Rounding a corner into the jewelry section, she spotted Latoya immediately.
The young woman had changed into an outfit and was wearing gloves, meticulously arranging the new arrivals.
Brrring!
Rosalind’s phone rang. Christopher called her.
She answered coldly.“Yes?”
“Rosa? I finished early. Where are you? You’re not home.”
Rosalind feigned surprise. “That urgent matter wrapped up quickly?”
“Wanted to get back to you. Promised I’d be here this week. Today was an exception.”
Rosalind found the excuse ludicrous.
She took a steadying breath.“You said you’d be out all night. I’m at Eloise’s place.”
Eloise Werner was her closest friend, a rising actress. Their meetups often required elaborate disguises and late–night scheduling.
Christopher knew this routine and didn’t question it.
“Wasn’t she filming on a film site just yesterday? Back already?”
“They wrapped early.”
“Alright then!” Christopher conceded. “Have fun. I’ll pick you up from Eloise’s in the morning.”
‘No need. Her driver will bring me back.”
19.52
13
< Chapter 15
Hanging up. Rosalind continued towards the jewelry boutique.
Latoya spotted her instantly, flashing a bright smile. “Ms. Johansen! You made it! Oh, excuse me, one moment. My phone…” She answered a call.
Rosalind nodded, taking a seat and picking up a magazine to browse while she waited.
Latoya’s voice turned sweet and slightly breathy on the phone.
“Oh, darling, don’t be mad! This client spends like royalty. Definitely worth the trip.
“How long will she take? Who knows? The customer is king. I can’t rush her!
“Alright, alright, I know ditching you tonight was awful. I’ll make it up to you. Promise, okay?
“Hush now, I have a client waiting… Gotta go!”
Hanging up, Latoya’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling. She looked every bit the woman in love.
She approached Rosalind carrying a velvet tray.“Ms. Johansen, I picked these pieces thinking they’d complement your style perfectly. Would you like to try them? If not, I have others.”
Rosalind smiled.“Let’s see.”
Latoya’s hands were still graceful and alluring as she handled the jewelry.
“Was that your boyfriend on the phone?” Rosalind asked.
Latoya blushed deeper.“Mmm. He’s busy with work, I’m busy here… We barely see each other.”
Rosalind smiled. “You’ll have more time together soon, I’m sure.”
Once Christopher and she were divorced, they could meet whenever they liked.
Or he could just marry her and see her every day.
Leaning close to adjust an earring, Latoya confided softly, “Men seem aloof, but once they fall? Clingy like puppies. Sometimes he drives me crazy!”
< Chapter 16.
