My pulse spikes. “Is that necessary?”
“The investors will be there. We need to be seen.” His tone is clipped and dismissive.
I sigh.Is he seriously doing this again?
“Of course.” I force a smile. “Whatever you need.”
His expression flickers with regret, but it’s gone before I can be sure.
The press mixer is held in a glittering ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames. Champagne flows freely, and cameras flash as journalists mingle with investors and tech executives.
I stay close to Daniel, my hand resting on his arm. We look perfect together: the powerful CEO and his elegant girlfriend. No one would guess that we’ve barely spoken all day.
“Mr. Williams!” A reporter approaches with a recording device. “Can I get a quote about your relationship?”
“My personal life is personal,” Daniel says smoothly. “But I’m very happy.”
The reporter turns to me. “And you, Ms. Rodgers? How does it feel dating one of the most eligible bachelors in tech?”
Before I can answer, a familiar voice cuts through the air.
“I’m sure it feels absolutely magical.”
Cassidy.Not again.
“Cassidy.” Daniel’s voice goes cold enough to frost the windows. “I thought we were done last night.”
“Were we?” She stops in front of us, champagne glass in hand. “I don’t recall saying goodbye.”
“Cassidy, I’m warning you—”
“What are you going to do, Daniel? Make a scene?” She gestures around at the cameras and the watching crowd. “That would be quite out of character for someone so obsessed with control.”
Something shifts in Daniel’s posture. When he speaks, his voice is low and deadly calm.
“Fine. You want to talk about patterns? Let’s talk about yours.” He steps forward slightly, putting himself between Cassidy and me. “You show up uninvited, make veiled threats, and try to poison whatever happiness I’ve managed to find. That’s your pattern, Cassidy. You can’t stand the idea that I moved on.”
Her smile falters. “I’m just—”
“You’re being malicious. And you’re wrong about everything.”
The ballroom has gone quiet. Cameras are turning toward us. This is precisely what Cassidy wanted, but Daniel doesn’t seem to care anymore, not even when I tug him nervously.
“Bailey isn’t some pattern or performance,” he says clearly, and I can hear the fury underneath his controlled tone. “She’s not part of some cycle I’m doomed to repeat. She is the only person who has ever seen the real me, and she didn’t run.”
My breath catches.
Cassidy’s face hardens. “Daniel, you’re being dramatic—”
“I’m being honest.” He turns slightly. “For the first time in years, I’m being sincere. So let me make this crystal clear for you and anyone else who thinks they can come for her.”
He looks around the room, making eye contact with various investors and journalists. When he speaks again, his voice carries across the entire space.
“Bailey Rodgers is brilliant, talented, and kind in ways I don’t deserve. Anyone who tries to diminish her, question her, or use her to get to me will answer to me personally. That includes you, Cassidy.”
The silence is deafening.
Cassidy’s face has gone pale. “You’re going to regret this.”
