Without Warning: A Billionaire Romance (Playboys of New York Book 5) JA Low (e textbook reader .TXT) 📖

we step into the conference room where we are having mediation with Madison. I take a seat in front of her. She’s dressed in a designer suit, her makeup is immaculate, and her brown hair is pulled up in a conservative bun. She looks nothing like the party girl her Instagram shows her as.

“We all know why we are here today,” Madison’s lawyer states. “My client would like everything finalized, or we will be taking this matter to trial,” he threatens.

“My client seeks for this to be tied up here today. He will not be giving over fifty percent of his company to your client,” my lawyer counters. “He is happy to go to trial.” I can see how furious Madison is as her face turns a nice shade of red. “It’s come to our attention that the clerk who was supposed to file the prenup was an ex of Miss Barlow’s.”

Boom. Letting that bit of information drop into the room. Instantly, there’s a gasp from Madison, who looks genuinely confused by the whole situation.

“I don’t know what they are talking about.” Madison turns to her lawyer, who hushes her. My own lawyer hands over old photographs of Madison and her ex together—pictures that were taken even after we were engaged. This woman has set me up. Madison’s eyes widen in surprise at the images in front of her. I’d hired a top Manhattan security company because I’d heard that his private investigation services were the best. He’s still trying to dig up more dirt on Madison, but this is the start, and it’s a good one.

“That’s not what it looks like.” Madison stares at the images. “I didn’t plan any of this.” She then looks over at me. “Rhys, I never planned any of this.”

Her lawyers are trying to placate her, to quiet her down.

“But you were fucking him?”

My lawyer shakes his head at my statement.

“I think we might reconvene at another date,” Madison’s lawyer adds.

“I think that might be a good idea,” my lawyer agrees.

“Of course, I was fucking him, but…” Madison screams at me as she tries to grab me. Tears begin falling down her cheeks. Honestly, she’s such an incredibly good actress. “I would never ask him to do something like this.” I don’t care anymore. “I’m trying to protect you, Rhys.”

That comment stills me.

Protect me.

Protect me from what?

“Please, Rhys, just give me a moment, and I can explain everything.” There’s something in the way her voice sounds that makes me agree to her request.

“Madison, I don’t think this is a good idea,” her lawyer says through gritted teeth.

“I have to agree,” my lawyer tells me.

“Please, Rhys. Give me ten minutes.”

Our lawyers throw their hands up in the air and leave us to it.

“What is it, Maddy?” I angrily take a seat, losing my damn patience with her.

“I’m sorry this has gone on for so long.” For the first time, she looks scared. “Everything is spinning out of control.” I fold my arms across my chest. “You look good.” She gives me a small smile.

“Madison.” My tone is stern.

“I know… I know.” She huffs. “I’m nervous, okay? I’m worried that something might happen to me when I tell you.”

She’s shaking with fear.

What the hell is going on?

“Start at the beginning, Maddy. Please?”

“Okay, but don’t interrupt me. I want to get it all out before I lose my nerve.”

I nod my head in agreement.

“I was approached by someone to seduce you.” My stomach sinks at the words leaving her mouth. “To get close to you. Make you fall in love with me, so ultimately you would marry me.” She doesn’t dare look at me. “They knew about Dominic and I having an affair, and they used it against both of us. They are powerful.”

Madison begins nervously tapping her long nails on the table. “They paid me a lot of money to make you fall in love with me.” She sighs. “I thought this was great… I could get rich while sleeping with you.” She chews her ruby red lips nervously. “They also found out I was sleeping with my ex, Mikey, the clerk at your lawyer’s firm,” she tells me. “I didn’t know there was any connection until right then when you showed me the photos.”

No wonder she freaked out.

“Anyway, as you know, we got married, and I received a large payout for that from this person,” she explains.

“That night you caught Dominic and me together in The Hamptons was a setup. We were told the exact time you would arrive. We were told everything.” I’m so confused. “Seeing your face that night was horrible. Watching your heart breaking right before my eyes made me feel like shit.”

But it didn’t stop you from taking the money, did it?

“I threatened I’d tell you everything… that I wanted no part of whatever was going on. I wanted to get out, but they wouldn’t let me, especially when they found more evidence to blackmail with.” Who the hell is this woman? “I’m not a nice person. I get it. I’m ambitious,” she tells me honestly.

“I was having fun and enjoying the wealth that came with my perverted little games.” Madison twists her fingers together nervously. “I didn’t really have a conscience before that night.” She looks up at me. “Your brother knew my weakness was money, so he used it. He used it to buy me as his mistress.”

What! I double over in pain like I’m going to be sick.

“He used to get off on the fact that he was fucking his brother’s wife. I liked the game. The thrill. He especially liked fucking me over your desk when you had gone home at night.”

Fuck. I stand and begin pacing the room, raking my hands through my hair. What the hell is wrong with these people? I had no idea my brother despised me that much. “Is it him?” I ask her. “Is he the one trying to take my company?”

She shakes her head. “Your brother is not smart enough