He kissed my knuckles. “But you can’t just kick her out tonight. It’s late. And you were harsh, Maureen. She’s just a kid. She looks up to you.”
“She doesn't respect me,” I muttered.
“She does,” he insisted. “She’s just immature. Look, you should apologize. Just to keep the peace. For me? Please? I’ll talk to her about the clothes. I promise. But don’t make enemies with Kyle’s sister. Kyle is my best friend, and he will be back soon.”
“Fine,” I whispered, defeated.
Later that night, Brandon fell asleep instantly, exhausted from his day of juggling lies.
I lay awake for a long time. Then, quietly, I slipped out of bed to prepare a gift for him he’d never forget.
The ballroom was suffocating. Crystal chandeliers dripped light onto the crowd, the air thick with the scent of lilies and old money. It was a celebration for the Miller family closing a massive merger, a deal that would secure their empire for another generation.
I stood by the champagne tower, a flute of untouched sparkling water in my hand. I was wearing a midnight blue gown, smiling until my cheeks ached.
“Maureen!”