Chapter 17 A Secret for a Secret
Chapter 17 A Secret for a Secret
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“What?” Pamela’s face tightened. “W–why would you investigate this? What exactly are you trying to do?”
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The folder Alisa had slid across the table contained the last thing Pamela ever wanted to see–a DNA test proving that her son and Wallace shared no biological relation. The results were spelled out in stark black and white.
If this ever got out, she would be ruined.
Pamela’s reputation in high society would be in shreds, and Wallace–cold, calculating Wallace–would never let her walk away unscathed. A shiver of dread coiled in her chest.
Alisa set her teacup down with unhurried grace. “I know what’s running through your mind right now. Relax–no one else has seen this report.”
Pamela let out a shaky breath. “Good.
“But,” Alisa went on, her gaze steady, her tone almost gentle but leaving no doubt she was serious, “don’t get too comfortable. The fact that I haven’t shown it to anyone yet doesn’t mean I never will.”
Pamela’s jaw clenched. If she didn’t realize this was blackmail, she’d be the biggest fool.:
“What do you want, dear?”
Alisa raised a finger, a small smile tugging at her lips. “A secret for a secret.”
Pamela blinked. “A… secret for a secret? You mean-
“Tell me someone else’s secret, and I’ll keep yours. If you don’t … well, I can’t promise where this DNA report might turn up.”
Pamela’s mouth twitched.
She’d expected Alisa to demand money, influence, maybe even favors–but this? Trading other people’s secrets for her own?
The young woman sitting across from her might not have many years behind her, but she had a mind as sharp as any veteran player in society’s cruel games.
Pamela didn’t want to give in, but refusing would be far worse.
After a long moment, she gave in.
“Fine. I’ll tell you something–but you’d better swear you’ll never breathe a word about the test. Because if I’m going down, I’m taking someone with me.”
“Agreed.”
Pamela had been part of the socialite’s circle long enough to know a great many dirty little truths.
But the filthiest of them all, in her opinion, belonged to her mother–in–law, Laurel Green,
“Since the day I married into the Greens, Laurel’s despised me. Always nitpicking, always finding fault. I wanted her approval so badly I resorted to … other means to have a child. But what I never expected was that this ‘prim and proper‘ woman had been carrying on an affair of her own.”
Alisa’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of intrigue flashing in them. “Oh? You found out your mother–in–law’s secret?”
Pamela nodded. “Yes. The year my son was born, I stumbled across her and Martin together. Judging by how familiar they were, it had been going on for at least a decade, maybe two.”
Now that was a scandal worth savoring.
“Do you have proof?” Alisa asked.
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Chapter 17 A Secret for a Secret
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“Of course. I’ve got photos of them from when they were younger, and I know exactly where they meet–Cloudland Estate. Martin had the whole place built just for her. She visits every so often under the guise of a vacation, but really, it’s for their little rendezvous.”
Alisa thought for a moment, then gave a slow nod. “It’s your family business, but the Kellers are involved too. Fine–I’ll count the exchange complete.”
Pamela’s voice was tense. “Alisa, I’ve told you everything. You’ll keep your word, won’t you?”
Alisa’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Of course–if you continue to be this cooperative, why wouldn’t I?”
Pamela’s shoulders relaxed for a heartbeat, then tensed again. “What do you mean by continue?”
Alisa glanced at her phone. “I need to go. If you’re still confused, maybe think about who told me your secret in the first place.” She paused, almost casually.
“Oh, and I hear your son’s 18th birthday is next month. Host it at the Skyrend Hotel. I own it–you’ll get a discount.”
With that, she rose, taking the teacup from the table as if it were hers all along, and walking out.
There was far too much to take from what she’d just said.
Pamela sat motionless, her mind spinning.
Continue to be cooperative?
Did Alisa mean to hold this over me forever?,
And who had told her in the first place?
Did someone else trade her secret for their own?
Who could it be?
Pamela’s mind raced, sifting through who could have betrayed her secret, until one name surfaced with chilling clarity.
Her best friend–Nydia.
Only Nydia knew.
The realization sobered her.
She had no interest left in poker. Snatching up her bag, she headed for the door.
Pamela had barely stepped outside when Sabrina appeared out of nowhere.
“Mrs. Green, wait! About that needle therapy I mentioned-”
“Don’t bother. I’m never agreeing to that.”
Pamela didn’t waste another word. She climbed into her car and drove away, leaving Sabrina standing on the sidewalk, glaring after her with undisguised frustration.
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