I grind my teeth to the molars, schooling my features into a neutral expression.
“Kaiden has a four-point-oh GPA and he’s expected to graduate top of his class. He’ll be attending Rydeville University next fall, studying architecture,” Atticus says, trying to paper over the bastard’s sabotage attempt. “And Maverick is in his senior year at Harvard. He’s studying to be a doctor.”
“A very noble profession,” Meredith says, smiling at Rick, more enamored with him than Kaiden.
“And what about you, Abigail?” Denton asks, turning in his chair to look at me. From this proximity, he can see down the top of my dress and he isn’t shy about ogling me.
“I have a four-point-one GPA, and I intend to attend Rydeville University next year although I’m undecided on a program.” I smile at Charlie before letting my gaze drift across the table to my father. “Unless my husband or my father has other plans for me, of course.”
Kai leans back in his chair, sliding his arm along the back of Giselle’s chair, smirking. “Look how far the mighty have fallen.”
“Excuse me?” I act incredulous, although I’m seething inside, watching his fingers toy with her hair. She’s mooning at him, looking seconds away from launching herself into his lap.
It’s only an act.
He loves me.
I love him.
I tell myself this over and over, but it’s fucking hard.
“I used to think you had balls.”
“Kaiden,” Atticus snaps. “Watch your language.”
Kai ignores his father. “But you’re just another weak female who can’t think for herself. Pathetic. I’m glad I wised up before I made the biggest mistake of my life.”
“You don’t get to speak tomy wifelike that, Kaiden.” Charlie straightens up, sliding his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his body. “And I think you’ll find it’s Abby who wised up before ruining her life attaching herself to a degenerate like you.”
“Now, now, boys.” Dad thumps his fist on the table. “There’s no need for a pissing contest.” His gaze dances between Charlie and Kaiden.
“I don’t understand,” Denton says, frowning. “Is there something I should know?”
Father’s jaw tightens. “Kaiden and Abigail dated for averybrief period. It wasn’t serious.”
Denton frowns again. “But I thought she was engaged to Mr. Montgomery before she became engaged to Mr. Barron?”
I cast a quick glance over the table, and everyone is riveted, all eyes trained on Kai and me. Giselle and Alessandra seem especially interested in our drama, and that makes me all kinds of suspicious. Who exactly are these girls, and how come they were chosen for the guys?
Trent smirks at me from the other end of the table, while Shandra pins me with sympathetic eyes. “I broke off my engagement when she cheated on me with Anderson.” Trent casually throws out an incendiary statement, and it goes down as expected.
Father slams his fist down on the table so hard it’s a miracle the table doesn’t break in two. “I will not have you spreading filthy lies about my daughter, Trent.” He glares at Trent, and Christian shoots a warning look in his son’s direction. Sylvia’s vacant eyes meet mine, but it’s clear no one is home.
“I apologize, sir.” Trent is instantly chaste.
His big mouth and huge ego are going to get him in a world of trouble some day. Even the elite can’t tame his recklessness. And he clearly hasn’t gotten over my betrayal. Which is rich considering he was boning any female with a pulse.
I need to watch out for him.
He’s still baying for my blood.
“My joke was in bad taste.” Trent plasters a soft look on his face, as if he once held affection for me, which is fucking laughable. “Abby and I broke off our engagement because we realized we weren’t right for one another. I’m happy for her and Charles.” A wicked glint glistens in his eye as his gaze meets mine. “They wholeheartedly deserve one another.”
Man, he’s such an idiot. He almost recovered there. But everyone heard that insult.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Kai says, his lips pulling up at one corner. He lifts his glass. “I propose a toast.” I give him the stink-eye, and there’s zero acting involved. “To the happy couple. May they have a long and happy marriage.”
I know he’s talking about us, and it helps erase my little burst of anger.
