Chapter 5: The Bet

The next morning, just after I’d finished a meeting and sat down with my iced latte, Marcus brought Hailey to my office.

They stood in the doorway—Marcus serious, Hailey still trying to look innocent.

“Hailey,” Marcus said, voice low and firm, “apologize to Natalie.”

He kept his tone professional, but I could hear the warning underneath. My assistant, Jenna, glanced up from her computer, giving me a sympathetic eye roll and mouthing, ‘Want me to spill my coffee on her?’ I bit back a smile.

Hailey stepped forward, smiling sweetly. “Sorry, Natalie. Last night was my fault. Please don’t be mad. I’m young and say dumb stuff. Just chalk it up to me being clueless, okay?”

She shrugged, batting her eyelashes, like she was auditioning for sympathy.

Marcus cut in, “Change the contact name.”

She whipped out her phone, changed Marcus’s name to ‘Marcus Whitaker,’ and flashed the screen. “See, Natalie? All fixed.”

I nodded, not bothering to fake a smile.

“Don’t let it happen again,” Marcus said, his tone final. “Go back to work.”

“Nope,” Hailey said, sliding up next to me and looping her arm through mine. “I still have lots to say to Natalie. Girl talk—you’re not invited. Out.”

She played the little-sister card, but it felt fake. I could feel my patience slipping.

Marcus frowned, but his phone buzzed. After a quick word and a warning glare at Hailey, he stepped out, shoes clicking down the hall.

As soon as the door shut, Hailey perched on the edge of the guest chair, swinging her feet and fiddling with her phone, scanning my office like she owned the place. She eyed my family photos, awards, even my diploma.

“This office is huge. You’re a real boss lady, huh?”

There was a note of sarcasm in her voice that set my teeth on edge. I straightened, tapping my nails on my coffee mug.

I kept it cold: “I’m busy. Please leave.”

I turned back to my laptop, hoping she’d take the hint.

Hailey didn’t budge. “I like Marcus.”

Her words hung in the air, sharp as a slap. I didn’t even look up. “I know. But I’m working. Please leave.”

She hesitated, surprised I didn’t react. “I just said I like Marcus. Aren’t you upset?”

I let out a short laugh. “You’re not the first who wants to be Marcus’s side chick.”

She raised her brows but recovered quickly, her confidence undimmed.

A man like Marcus still drew admirers, even married. And me? I’d had my share of offers, too. We both knew it, but we’d always chosen each other—at least, until now.

Hailey leaned forward, her eyes shining with challenge. “How about a little wager? Three months. If Marcus picks me, you walk away.”

She watched for my reaction, but I just gripped my coffee tighter, keeping my voice even. “Your competition isn’t me—it’s all the other would-be mistresses.”

She grinned, undeterred. “Marcus doesn’t like them.”

“Does he like you?”

“Not yet,” she shot back, “That’s why I need three months.”

Her certainty was almost chilling, but I refused to let her see me sweat. I focused on my screen, ignoring her until she stood up with a snort. “Just wait and see.”

My heart pounded as she left. I tossed my files aside, staring out at the city. What was wrong with Marcus? Why couldn’t he handle this?

I buzzed Jenna: “No more Hailey in my office.”

Jenna replied, her voice firm. “She’s just an intern. She only got in today because Marcus brought her.”

I exhaled, grateful for Jenna’s steady presence.