Chapter 72
ASHER
Josh and I turn to the door in sync as a ringtone blares in the silence. I could have sworn this floor was empty. Who is that? Is there someone behind the door listening to us?
Josh trades glances with me before I lunge forward and wrench the door open. I scan the area but there’s no one close by. The ringtone seems to be coming from Demi’s office. When I check, her phone is lying on the floor next to her chair. I pick it up and realize it’s Anna calling.
The sound of the elevator opening makes me rear my head up. Josh is already standing outside my office. Together, we watch Demi run frantically out of the elevator and towards her office. She dabs her sweaty forehead.
"Forgot something?" I ask her.
"Yeah, um, I think I left my phone behind." She brushes past me and starts searching her desk and drawers. Behind me, Josh leaves. We have nothing more to discuss. His empty threats don’t faze me. He wouldn’t dare come close to the mansion knowing how livid father would be if he tried to upend his family life.
Demi continues to search while I lounge by the door and watch her to discern whether she is avoiding my eyes because she finds me annoying or because she was just in here a while ago. Her phone starts ringing in my hand again. I peer at the screen.
"Anna must really want to talk." I say, flashing the phone with the incoming call at Demi. She gives me a frosty look before stepping forward and snatching it from my hand.
"I can’t believe you. You had it the whole time and you just watched me search fruitlessly?
I snort at her before returning to my office. It does appear like she did forget her phone. I have to be careful next time with discussing sensitive issues in my office. The last time, father had overheard Nessa and I arguing about her pregnancy. Now, I am not sure if Demi overheard my argument with Josh. If she did and ran off, then she’s smart and knows to mind her business.
I meet up with Ashley for late drinks at the elite bar where we had accosted Shay Woodley. It’s still upsetting that his blackmailer is still a free bird. Ashley however came back much stronger than he left and for that, I am glad. We order our drinks.