I received an invitation from venture capital titan Bernard Delgado.
Bernard was my senior in college.
He was also Marcella's cousin.
Four years ago, he'd asked me to join his startup team.
I'd turned him down to help Barret instead.
Four years later, he'd become the kind of man whose every move sent shockwaves through the entire industry.
And he was still waiting for me.
"Come to the Delgados. I'll give you the platform, and you take back everything that belongs to you—with your own hands."
I didn't hesitate. I signed my name on the spot.
That evening, Bernard invited me to attend an industry gala as his plus-one.
I stepped into the ballroom wearing a gown his people had delivered to my door.
Bernard went to greet the hosts and told me to mingle on my own for a bit.
I had just taken a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray.
Barret walked toward me with Queenie on his arm, dressed to the nines.
She was draped over him like she had no spine, clinging to every inch of him.
Barret looked me up and down. When he noticed I'd gotten thinner, his brow furrowed.