Christina’s POV
"What is it? Sothing so mysterious that you can’t even let tell Ryan?" Naomi sounded both puzzled and intrigued.
"I’ll explain everything over dinner. You’re honestly the only person who can help with this." I gripped my phone tightly, my knuckles turning white.
"Okay, fine, I won’t say a word. Where should we et?" Naomi could obviously tell I was serious and quickly agreed.
"You pick the place. But are you sure it’s alright in your condition?" I knew how protective Ryan was of her and their unborn pup.
"It’s totally fine. Let’s et at The Galleria. I need to look at so baby stuff this afternoon anyway, and we can grab dinner after you finish work."
"Alright, just be careful, please. I wouldn’t bother you like this if I had anyone else to ask. I feel like such a jerk making you co out while you’re pregnant. Ryan will probably have my head if he finds out."
But I needed answers. Even though part of suspected Niall was right, I still clung to that tiny sliver of hope that Hudson was innocent, that he wouldn’t betray like this.
"Don’t be ridiculous. I’m happy to help," Naomi reassured . "I’ve been going stir-crazy stuck at ho. Ryan’s probably losing his mind with around 24/7. He might actually thank you for getting out of the house for a bit."
"Okay. Thanks, Naomi. See you tonight."
"Sure thing. I’ll take a nap and then head out. I’ll text you later."
"Sounds good."
I ended the call and let out a long, weary sigh.
"What if Niall’s right?" Akira whined softly.
"Then we’ll deal with it," I whispered back, but my heart was already cracking at the thought.
The afternoon dragged on endlessly. I couldn’t focus on anything. My mind kept circling back to those docunts, to the possibility that Hudson had lied to my face.
My phone rang. Hudson’s na lit up the screen.
"Hello," I answered flatly.
"I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight. Any preferences?" His voice was low and gravelly, like he was tired.
It hit suddenly that he’d only just been released from the hospital. The gunshot wound he’d taken for was still healing.
That thought still filled with gratitude and warmth.
But then, if what Niall said was true—if Genevieve was behind everything and Hudson had gone so far as to set up Beatrice and lie to —that warmth curdled into sothing sour and painful in my throat.
"Actually, I can’t tonight. Naomi Fenty called and asked to join her for dinner and shopping. I already promised her." I kept my voice light and breezy.
"Can’t you reschedule?"
"I’ve already given my word. Rain check?"
"Fine. Just be careful out there," he relented.
"Don’t worry. Gotta run now; I’ve got a ton of work piled up," I said with fake cheerfulness.
He sounded slightly annoyed that I was rushing him off. "Are you that swamped today?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Client crisis. Talk later." I hung up before he could press further.
Once the call ended, I slumped in my chair. "How can he act like everything’s normal?"
"Maybe because for him, it is," Akira suggested. "Or maybe..."
"Maybe he’s just a really good liar," I finished for her.
The rest of the afternoon was pure torture. Each minute stretched longer than the last.
Finally, the workday ended. I quickly packed up and headed to The Galleria.
"Christina, over here!" Naomi waved from her booth. "Sit down. Let’s order first. What do you want to eat? You look like you could use so serious comfort food." From my expression, she could tell sothing was majorly wrong.
"Yeah, you’re right." Even with zero appetite, I couldn’t let a pregnant woman starve on my account.
After ordering, I looked her over. "How have you been feeling?"
"Pretty good, actually. I’m past the four-month mark now, so I’m finally eating and sleeping well. But look, I’ve already ballooned up." She gestured to her growing bump.
"You still look gorgeous to . If anything, you should probably eat more. They say a healthy mother ans a healthy baby."
"That’s exactly what Ryan keeps saying. He’s constantly trying to stuff with food." A sweet, content smile touched her lips.
I envied that happiness. Their loving marriage. The fact that they’d soon have their own little family.
"What about you and Hudson? Any baby plans?" Naomi’s curious eyes fixed on .
I shook my head. "Let’s not go there."
"What’s wrong? Trouble in paradise?"
"No. We don’t really fight; he usually gives in to ." I gave her a pained smile. "The reason I asked to see you... I need a favor. But you have to promise not to tell Ryan."
"What is it? You’re freaking out here. And why co to instead of your super-powerful Alpha husband? Spill it—what’s going on?" She was practically bouncing with curiosity.
"A little while ago, sothing happened at my studio. Soone sabotaged it. They hacked into my database and ssed with the job sheets, which screwed up all the custor orders..." I explained the whole situation. "Look, here’s all the evidence."
I slid the folder across the table.
"Wait, what? Hudson did that? He covered for Genevieve and lied to you?" Naomi looked shocked as she flipped through the pages.
I pressed my lips together, my smile bitter. "Check out all that proof. If soone hadn’t shown this, I’d still be believing Hudson’s version."
Naomi studied the docunts carefully. "It does look... legit. But hold up, this transfer record... why is it from my husband? What the hell? Was Ryan mixed up in this, too?" Her brow furrowed deeply.
"Yes. That’s actually why I needed your help."
"So... what do you need to do? Ask him about it?" Naomi looked at seriously.
"I know it’s asking a lot, but..."
"Say no more." Naomi patted my hand reassuringly. "I’d want the sa if I were in your shoes."
I gave her a grateful smile. "I just don’t want Hudson finding out about this."
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