The Billionaire’s Bun In Her Oven - Ellie Rowe Page 0,60

Paulie coos. “Much more exciting than julienning vegetables.”

“I need you to sneak into the sound room,” I tell them.

“Uh, OK. And do what?” Chase asks.

“I’m not exactly sure yet. But I have a feeling you’ll know when the time comes.”

“Oh my God, double intrigue!” Paulie says.

“Go quick, before we come back from commercial.”

They give me a curt nod, then slip away and head toward the sound booth. They creep along in what I’m sure they think is a very sly and secretive manner. Unfortunately, it has the air of a cartoon character. It’s a miracle no one intercepts them before they get to the sound booth. I breathe a sigh of relief as they slip inside.

I’m hoping that, regardless of whatever dirt Cynthia’s stakeout yields, Paulie and Chase will be able to serve as backup.

“Thirty seconds, people!” the stage manager calls out.

Once again, I move through the swarming crew looking for someone. I spot Kenny in the center of the storm. He’s seated in his director’s chair, calm as ever, headphones around his neck. “Kenny, got a second?”

“Less than thirty,” he says. “You should be going to your place.”

“Just do me a favor. And for real, this time. No bailing out at the last minute.”

“You know I’m on your side.”

“Now’s your chance to prove it once and for all.”

“What do you need?”

“Just promise me,” I say slowly, “that no matter what happens, you’ll get it all on camera for everyone to see.”

“You have my word.”

“Then let’s get cooking,” I say and move to my place.

Forty-Five

Cynthia

I sneak around the corner, playing James Bond music in my head. That’s what it feels like anyway, although there’s something especially twisted about having to creep around in my own goddamn restaurant.

I know I saw her turn this corner, but she could have split off to the office, or back by coat check. Boy, am I going to feel like an idiot if she’s just trying to pee, but the way she snuck out… there has to be something going on.

I creep to the office and press my ear against the door. I hear nothing, and lick my lips nervously, reaching for the handle. My heart hammers in my chest as I turn the knob and creak it open to… nothing.

I feel like an idiot. I close the door, ready to abandon my mission when I catch sight of someone barreling around the corner. With my Bond mode activated again, I flatten myself against the wall, slinking along the edge until I reach the corner.

I dive behind a booth and wait for any sound or movement. Nothing. Popping my head up like a fucking meerkat, I peer over the booth. There she is! I catch the tail end of her rushing toward the coat check.

I hear muffled voices and stop in my tracks, straining to listen. There’s Nadia, I growl internally. But, who else? Holding my breath, I slip from the booth and tiptoe down the hallway, trying to stay as silent as possible.

I peek my head around for just a moment. Christ, I feel like I should have a gun or something; at least a taser. She’s a bitch, not a supervillain, I sigh then slap my hand over my mouth. I absolutely would have been caught already if this were a movie.

“What the fuck was that out there!” Someone hisses angrily, and I hear Nadia scoff. I finally have eyes on Nadia. Oh my God, she’s surrounded by three execs. I had no idea they were here today, I thought they were supposed to be in the studio! What in fresh hell is this?

“You need to step it up,” another murmurs nervously, glancing around. “There’s only so much we can do for you, Ms. Quint.”

“Our rags-to-riches angle has given you an edge, but our hands are tied.”

“Your hands are tied, give me a fucking break! You’re the ones who agreed to do a live final episode,” Nadia replies, her voice seething with annoyance.

“Stephen asked for it, it’s a great pitch. To deny him would cause suspicion.”

“And you’re the one who promised to deliver. Now we’ve supplied far more than our end of the bargain. If you can’t win this with all that talent you claim to possess, you’re shit out of luck, you got that?” The tallest exec is nasty, getting in her face, but Nadia doesn’t budge.

“I’ve been pushed around by assholes like you all my life, you don’t scare me. I am this show. I am this angle. You wouldn’t have