Chapter 17
Some battles end cleanly. Others evolve into more dangerous forms in corners I didn’t know existed.
Rachel was always more patient than her father, more calculating than Victoria, and
The police had barely cleared out of Le Blanc when my phone buzzed with another cinit
– dangerous to those who fought against her family:
Diana Wright’s name illuminated my screen with a message that made my stomach drop: “Ethics committee meeting tomirrow. Photos of you entering Drake’s penthouse submitted anonymously. Prepare your defense.
leaned against the wall, exhaustion washing over me
Robert’s arrest should have felt like victory, but instead I was caught in a twisted game of whack–a–mole–put down one threat and two more popped up.
was coming.
Victoria Palmer’s smug face flashed in my mind: she’d warned me this was
“You look like you need something stronger than wine, Isolde said, returning from the restroom to find me staring numbly at my phone. “What happened
It showed her Diana’s message. “Someone sent photos of me entering Caspian’s penthouse to the ethics committee. After everything we just went through
with Robert..
“It’s never going to end, is it?” she muttered, then her expression suddenly brightened. “Wait here. I have something that might cheer you up.”
She disappeared toward the entrance, leaving me alone with
oughts.
The adrenaline of confronting Robert was wearing off, replaced by bone–deep exhaustion. Every shadow still made me flinch.
Pushing through Le Blanc’s entrance, I froze at the sight of Marcus Rivera standing beside Isolde, sporting that trademark grin that made his eyes crinkle at
the corners.
“Surprise, darling!” He opened his arms, and I fell into them without hesitation.
“Marcus?” I stammered. “What are you doing here? We just talked last week!”
“When my favorite girlfriend” is having a dramatic life crisis, I think it warrants a personal appearance.”
He squeezed my shoulders, his eyes scanning my face. Though you look like absolute hell, in the most affectionate way possible.”
I laughed despite myself. This was exactly what I needed someone who knew all my secrets but carried none of the complications that Caspian brought
I’m really glad you’re here,” I whispered, suddenly lighting tears. The weight of everything felt too heavy to carry alone.
“Let’s get a drink,” Marcus said. “I have rus
As they headed toward a booth, I turned to grab a wine bottle and spotted Caspian still at the bar, nursing what looked like his third whiskey,
His shoulders slumped slightly, eyes repeatedly drifting toward the entrance before returning to his drink.
Looking for me?
I grabbed Le Blancs best reserve red and slipped past, hoping to avoid his notice.
“So,” I said, sliding into the bouth and pouring wine, ‘what’s this big news that brought you to New York?
Marcus took a long sip before answering. I heard you’ve been busy landing an important client. One who apologized to you un sparkled
national television? His eyes
Heat crept up my neck. “It…complicated.”
“Mose complicated than your stepfather showing sip for a cohortation and Caspian going all knight in shining armor? Isolde cut in
“What?” Marcus’s head snapped up. “Robert found you? That bastard?”
I gave them the condensed version of the past few days – Robert’s threats, Victoria’s photographs, and today’s restaurant confrontation
car, Sage.” Marcus gripped my hand. “I should have been here sooner.‘”
“It’s fine. It’s over.” I hoped saving it might make it true. “Roberts gone, and Diana says the Warriors are willing to settle. Things are looking up.”
“That’s actually part of why I came back.” His voice softened. Im staying in New York. For good ”
I nearly knocked over my wine lunging across the table to hug him. “Are you serious?”
“Already found a place in Manhattan. Figured we could continue our little arrangement
–
keep up appearances. Might help with your current situation.”
