I had put on some heavy makeup today, so I did look completely different from before. I frowned and said, โRyan, maybe you should let Silas head back and get some rest. He looks exhausted.โ
โIโm fine. I can still help out,โ Silas insisted, trying to wave off my concern.
โSilas, itโs okay. Go on home,โ Ryan said softly.
Silas blinked in surprise, then nodded and said, โAlright, Ryan. Just make sure you donโt tire yourself out.โ
At the dinner that night, Sally and Tracy showed up.
The moment Tracy walked in, she was met with an enthusiastic welcome. The company execs acted like they still answered to her, and even Amy ended up getting sidelined.
Jared had taken a nap all afternoon, so he was in good spirits during dinner. When he saw Tracy, he immediately got up and led her outside.
Sally and Quinn rushed out after them.
Just then, Ryan set down what he was holding and said to me, โMs. Murphy, Iโm heading out for a bit.โ
I wanted to call him back, but he was already heading out the door.
I bet he was out taking photographs of more evidence. He was always thinking ahead โ he had brains and street smarts.
When they came back, Tracy and Sally looked like theyโd just swallowed something bitter. They were kept out of sight in a private room, nowhere to be seen in the main hall.
When Quinn returned, she shot me a few resentful glances and slipped into that private room too.
I knew that room was packed with the Holcomb familyโs relatives. Sally probably brought Tracy in to get her acquainted with everyone ahead of time.
โMs. Murphy, I shot you a few messages. Check them out when you get a chance,โ Ryan said quietly as he returned.
โThanks,โ I replied, giving him a grateful look.
Ryan looked conflicted as he nodded.
Once dinner wrapped up, I headed to the elevator and made my way to the top floor of the hotel. There was a room reserved for me there. I pushed the door open and just threw myself onto the sofa.
I checked my phone and saw a video. Even though I couldnโt see Jared and Tracy, I could still hear their voices.
Tracy sounded sad as she asked Jared, โYou used to say Victoria was just a vase, something pretty to keep at home. So why do you care so much about her now?โ
Jared replied, clearly annoyed, โI just said that without thinking. Your cousin mustโve told you, right?โ
Tracy scoffed, โEvery little thing you do matters to me. I remember everything you say. When my cousin told me you called Victoria just a vase, I knew you didnโt love her anymore.
โBut youโve been acting strange lately. Is it because Iโm pregnant with my exโs baby?โ
Jared said, โTracy, weโre not at that point. Iโm not going to comment on your pregnancy.โ
โJared, Iโm sorry. This was a mistake, it wonโt happen again,โ Tracy said softly. As she spoke, I could hear the sound of clothes rustling โ it sounded like they were hugging.
But then Jaredโs tone turned icy as he said, โDonโt. Itโs over between us. And stop trying to suck up to my mom โ it wonโt change anything.โ
Tracy said, โYou two are getting divorced. After the divorce, youโll end up with someone else. Why not me?โ
Jared was quiet for a long moment before finally saying, โI know her โ sheโll come back. This divorce is just a phase. Tracy, Iโm not going to mess up again. Maybe Victoriaโs right. Weโre adults โ we have to own up to what we do.โ
โJared, come back. Please donโt leave. Iโve always loved you, you know that,โ Tracy pleaded.
โTracy, I donโt need your love anymore. Just let me go,โ Jared replied coldly.
Then Sallyโs voice broke in, full of disapproval. She said, โJared, donโt break her heart like this. Tracyโs done so much for you.โ
Jared just let out a short laugh and said, โTracy, did you not tell my mom how much money I gave you when we broke up this time?โ
Sally sounded shocked. She exclaimed, โWait, Tracy, you asked Jared for money?โ
Tracy replied, โHe gave it to me. Iโm sorry, Sally. Maybe I really donโt belong here, I should go.โ
โDonโt go. Since youโre already here, at least stay for dinner before you leave,โ Sally said, suddenly popping into the frame.
Tracy looked determined to leave, but Sally grabbed her arm and held her back.
And that was where the video ended.
From the way they talked, it was obvious Jared and Tracy had already decided to get together. If I hadnโt pulled myself out of the mess in time, Jared wouldโve just kept drifting along, forgetting he was even married.
They wouldโve crossed that last line, sneaking around without a shred of shame โ just like in our previous life, hooking up wherever and whenever they could.