Run, Girl (If You Can)

Graydon didn't appear to be lying but that didn't necessarily mean anything. Assuming he was telling the truth…did that mean he really didn't have a romantic thing going on with Lacy? Then how had she ended up pregnant before?

Keeley thought about it. He also said he was focusing on his career. Mild words until you considered who they were coming from.

He was one of the premier businessmen in the city. If the tabloids could be believed, he had his fingers in a lot of pies.

So was he after Hale Investments or not? Based on the way he handled the share transfer document, she didn't think so. It was obvious he blackmailed the previous shareholder. If he had dirt on him already, he could have taken those shares himself any time.

He chose to give them to Aaron, which made her think he supported Aaron's takeover plan. So whose side was he on? Aaron's, Alistair's, or his own? How would Aaron taking over the company benefit him?

"There's nothing wrong with focusing on your career. My friend is studying to be a doctor and she's doing the same thing," she rambled, trying to keep the conversation going. There had to be something else she could get out of him.

Her phone buzzed. The driver was letting her know she was here. But she couldn't leave now! Graydon would see her belly and know the truth. She had to wait for him to leave first.

She sent a quick message back saying she wasn't done yet and to head to a nearby parking garage to wait for her. Then she smiled at Graydon and lied through her teeth.

"That was my ride; he appears to be running a little late."

"He? I would have thought your husband would be at work this time of day," he said while twirling his straw around in his drink.

"He is. He's sending someone to come get me because it's cold out."

"How considerate. You're a lucky woman."

Lucky definitely wasn't how she would describe herself overall. All Keeley wanted was a peaceful life and it didn't seem like she would ever get it. But she couldn't deny that she was glad Aaron had learned how to be considerate. She really appreciated all the nice things he did for her.

She made a simple noise of affirmation in response before launching into her next attack.

"So what brings an app developer to a café in the middle of the morning? I would have thought you would only have time to grab something and leave rather than have a conversation with someone."

It was a simple enough statement but she was trying to get him to admit who he was. She would be able to ask more pointed questions that way.

"That's the benefit of being the boss. I can do whatever I want as long as the business keeps running smoothly."

So he admitted it! Keeley could nail him now. "The boss? You wouldn't happen to be Graydon Meyer, would you? You said your name is Gray and you're the boss of an app development company."

He seemed pleasantly surprised. "Well aren't you a smart one! I suppose you did just earn a PhD. You caught me. Graydon Meyer, at your service. Since you know my full name can you tell me yours?"

So he was trying to trap her too. If she used her maiden name, he would know she was onto him. But if she didn't, she would be confirming who she was married to.

Aaron was nearly positive he was the one who sent over the 'wedding gift.' Lying to him wouldn't be beneficial.

"Keeley Hale."

"Hale?" Graydon's smile grew thoughtful but she knew it was an act so it annoyed her.

"Since we're playing a guessing game here…is your husband Aaron Hale by chance? It isn't a terribly common last name in this city. And you did mention your husband was sending someone to come get you. Not just anyone has the manpower to do that."

Was he onto her or was he simply going off of what she had said? It may be time to stop stepping around the issue and cut to the chase.

Oh, she wasn't good at this! She hadn't dealt with sneaky underhanded people in so many years that her double-talk skills were rusty.

At the very least, she had to be honest. This whole thing would blow up in her face the second he caught her in a lie. Unfortunately, his interrogation was going much better than hers was.

"Good guess. We're keeping things quiet for the moment though so I would appreciate if you kept that little tidbit to yourself," she said with her sweetest, most innocent smile.

Graydon's expression grew sly. "I'll respect your wishes but why would you want to do something silly like that? Aren't marriages happy things to be celebrated?"

Keeley couldn't take it anymore. This constant turnaround was exhausting.

"Look, I'm not stupid. I already know you know about Aaron's issues with his father. So how about a little honesty. Why did you send my husband that share transfer document?"

He grinned with genuine amusement and clapped his hands together. He was actually having fun with this. What a strange man.

"So he's done his research! Aaron never ceases to impress me. I didn't think he would figure it out so soon. It's quite simple, really. I want to see him dethrone Alistair Hale."

"Why not dethrone him yourself?" she asked bluntly. "Clearly you're capable."

Graydon shook his head and smiled. "This is far more entertaining. Betrayed by his own son! The man he personally trained to be his successor! It was too poetic to pass up."

He seemed to be telling the truth. Keeley couldn't sense any deceitfulness from him. He definitely had a problem with Alistair but that didn't necessarily mean he didn't have one with Aaron too.

She leaned her head on one hand and narrowed her eyes at the man across from her. Was he using Aaron to achieve his own ends or supporting him? It was strange…but when Graydon talked about her husband he seemed almost fond of him. Like they were old friends.

Aaron had definitely never been friendly with Graydon Meyer. She didn't even think they had met.