CRYSTAL.
“Why would you agree to any of this?” I snapped the moment the hallway emptied, and it was just the two of us.
My voice was trembling. From anger. From embarrassment. From everything.
Noah dragged in a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck the way he always did when he thought he was being reasonable.
“Crystal… your name is already in the storm,” he said gently. “I’m trying to help. Don’t twist it.”
I stared at him, stunned.
Jesus.
I didn't know what stung the most. Seeing Jaden act so nonchalantly and indifferent around me while his wife spoke to me, whichever way she pleased? Or the fact that it didn't take Valerie five minutes to pull Noah into their scripted circus.
And Noah just… agreed?
I felt used. I felt controlled. How the hell would I let Jaden and his wi
