Run, Girl (If You Can)

Keeley could practically feel the eyes burning a hole through her as they walked into the restaurant to meet Gray the following day. She hadn't dealt with this many stares since being reborn; how was she supposed to handle it?!

Alice, used to being watched wherever she went, was completely immune. She took Violet's car seat from her and walked into the restaurant with the grace of a model walking the runway.

Aaron wasn't all that affected either but he could sense his wife's discomfort and protectively drew her closer. She felt a bit safer since the stares were blocked from one side now.

Thankfully, Gray had the foresight to rent out a private booth away from prying eyes. They only had to deal with the stares on the way to it from the front door.

"Well, if it isn't the most popular people in New York City! And the lovely Miss Wheatley; what a pleasant surprise," he said smoothly as they all sat down.

"Hi Gray," Keeley said wearily. "How's it going?"

"Better for me than for you, I imagine. Still getting used to the spotlight?"

"I'll never get used to this, it's awful."

Gray smiled. "There, there. Another scandal will come along that's even juicier sooner or later and all will be forgotten."

That's what everyone kept saying and yet she wasn't at all comforted. How soon? How much longer would she have to deal with this? This was even worse than the last time she was under house arrest!

Sure she had to stress out about being seen by Lacy Knighton but at least she had been able to enjoy her anonymity once she was out. Did she need to invest in a wig and wear heavy makeup wherever she went?

No, that wouldn't work. People knew what Violet and Kaleb looked like. Ugh.

"That's what I've heard," she said dryly.

Aaron squeezed her hand reassuringly but that didn't help either. She wouldn't have been thrown to the wolves if not for him. He couldn't comfort her when he was part of the reason she was stressed out.

Gray turned his attention to Aaron. "How has the transition been going? You're less busy now, I hope."

He nodded. "One of my people recovered a bunch of deleted files that made a huge difference. Everything should be back to normal within a month or so."

"Excellent! Deleted files though…what poor sportsmanship. He lost fair and square."

Keeley wasn't necessarily sure that she would describe anything that happened regarding the power struggle inside Hale Investments as "fair" since there was so much trickery and plotting involved. Regardless, she was on Aaron's side. It was a good thing he won.

Alistair Hale was a terrible person who deserved to be taken down a peg or two. She couldn't believe he had completely shut himself away after his son's betrayal though. He didn't seem like the type to give up that easily.

"Poor sportsmanship describes Alistair fairly well," Alice said lightly, not wanting to be left out of the conversation. "My father has complained about him more than once over the years."

Gray's interest was piqued. "Your father knows him well?"

"They were rivals of sorts in the financial sector, though obviously the Hales have more clout."

"Ah, of course. Your father must be Evan Wheatley. I should have recognized your surname."

She smiled prettily at him and Keeley was tempted to gag. Don't fall for his false charms, Alice! She should have found a way to refuse to let her join them for dinner.

Since they were already there, she kept her mouth shut and busied herself with entertaining Kaleb. He was getting a bit fussy while his sister quietly and adoringly gazed up at her father from his arms. Violet would surely be a daddy's girl.

Gray and Alice continued flirting until the appetizers arrived. Keeley found it a welcome relief. She didn't want to witness an otherwise intelligent woman fall for a creep in front of her very eyes.

She had to admit, he really knew how to work a woman. He managed to lay on the charm without making it too thick (at least to the average person; someone savvy like Keeley wouldn't be fooled though) and make his conversational partner feel like she was the most interesting person in the world.

For someone who had been ignored by her husband again and again like Alice, falling for it would be too easy. Keeley wanted to confront Gray about his interest in her—or at the very least tell her she was still technically married—but didn't want to do it in front of Alice.

Thankfully she didn't have to. Alice's lawyer chose that very moment to call and update her about the divorce case so she stepped outside of the private booth to take it.

"I wonder what her lawyer has to say," she said aloud, aiming it at Aaron.

Thankfully he caught her meaning and responded. "Probably something to do with Brock trying to renegotiate the terms." He looked up at Gray, who had a hint of confusion on his face and elaborated. "She's in the middle of a divorce."

Keeley silently thanked her husband for reading her mind and carefully gauged Gray's reaction. He didn't reveal any signs of shock. All she could see was nonchalance that was eerily reminiscent of how Aaron used to be.

"Brock who?" was all he asked.

"Brock Kelly. His family owns multiple top law firms throughout the city. I helped Alice find a lawyer unconnected to them as a return favor for being one of my dummy shareholders," Aaron said with a shrug.

Gray raised one eyebrow but let it fall before Alice came back, apologizing profusely for being so rude. She claimed the matter was urgent but didn't say what it was about, not knowing her friends had already ratted her out.

Keeley didn't even feel guilty about it. It was for her own good. Gray wasn't the type of man she should get involved with.