Page 270 of Double or Nothing

I’m definitely getting better at reading people. The Jack Reid effect has been wearing off on me considerably now I’ve been working with him on auction prep every evening.

Christopher is pissed off now. Furious that I’ve been given kudos over him. The thought carries me through the rest of the meeting.

Christopher interrupts twice more. Once to question a calculation he’s misunderstood, which makes him look like an incompetent, but I always answer calmly.

No blustering. No apologies. No checking my cuffs.

By the end, Bill is well onboard with my strategy.

Christopher is still smiling when everyone stands, but his eyes tell a different story. It’s deeply satisfying.

“Bryce,” he says, stopping me before I reach the door.

The others continue into the corridor. Bill pauses to look, but Christopher gives him a casual smile.

“Nothing important. Just a quick question about next Tuesday.”

Bill nods and leaves us to us.

Christopher stands at Bill’s position on purpose, right at the head of the table.

He studies me, but I don’t give a shit. I keep my hands still. Shoulders back.

My poker face is becoming considerably stronger.

“I hope there’s no resentment here,” Christopher says.

“Why would there be?”

He fake sighs. “I appreciate this transition may be difficult for you. You’ve occupied an important position with Bill for a long time now.”

I shrug. “My position hasn’t changed. Not in the slightest.”

“Not officially.”

The threat is so thinly veiled, it’s a joke. My pulse races at the implication, but I don’t break the stare. I give the bastard no sign of intimidation.

“Is there anything else?” I ask.

His eyes narrow. Scoping me out.

“I just wanted to let you know that Alice is doing well.”

The change of direction nearly breaks through my walls. My chest tightens, but I don’t allow it onto my face.

“I’m pleased to hear it,” I say. “Send her my regards. How is she doing at the studio?”

“She’s taking some time away from distractions right now.”

Distractions. Right.

Jack.

Me.

Her own bloody life.

“She was becoming overwhelmed,” he says. “The attention around the auction hasn’t helped.”