Damn. It’s good.
“It’s delicious,” I compliment.
“I’m so glad to hear that, Rosie.” Veronica’s smile widens, satisfaction dripping from her every feature. “I told the chef to make this special for us. It’s not every day we have a chance to celebrate.”
Celebrate. Right.That’s one word for whatever this is.
I glance around the table, my gaze lingering on Koen, who’s quietly eating with his usual composure, except right now, it feels forced. Levi is chatting quietly with Ezra, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. Nicholas sits silently beside me, his hand still resting lightly on my knee.
We’re all playing a part tonight, carefully dancing on the edge of a knife. And Veronica is watching us all with the faintest hint of amusement.
Her attention lands on Koen, “Have you decided if and when you want to perform shows again?”
“Yes. Actually, we’re planning one in a little over a week.”
What?
My breath hitches, and I try to keep my face neutral as my mind races. How has no one told me about this? My gaze flicks to Nicholas, and sure enough, he’s already looking at me. His expression is steady and unreadable, but I know what he’s thinking.
He thinks he can get what we need in not even two weeks. And apparently, so does Koen. When I glance at Levi, he’s nodding subtly, clearly in agreement. My stomach churns.
A little over a week.
A little over a week until we take her down—or go down ourselves.
“Oh, that’s exciting.” Veronica reaches for her glass of wine and takes a sip. “I was worried you might not get back to it aftereverything. I mean, it’s not like you need to do shows. You’re already icons. But you two are half the magic of the Strip.”
“Such a nice thing to say.” Levi cuts in. “Thank you, Veronica. No, we miss it, and we want to get back. But it felt appropriate to have a longer pause after Oscar.”
“I understand completely.” Veronica presses a hand to her chest, her expression softening. “I had to take some time for myself too. I know we weren’t on the best terms toward the end, but he was still the love of my life. A complicated love, but love nonetheless.”
Nicholas’s hand tightens on my thigh briefly before he pulls away to pick up his fork.
“He left a big hole in many lives,” Ezra agrees.
“Indeed.” Veronica sighs dramatically, reaching for her fork again. “And that’s something I wanted to talk to you about. Do you remember the joint venture I proposed to Oscar? The hotel?”
Koen and Levi speak in unison, their voices flat. “We remember.”
Ezra nods, his tone more conversational. “Oscar was delighted by the idea.”
“I know. So was I. It was such a strong concept, a magic-themed hotel with dinner shows and so much more. With my expertise in the hotel industry and his charm, talent, and name, it would’ve been a landmark on the Strip…” She pauses, looking at Koen and Levi with what could almost be mistaken for earnestness. “I’d love to bring it to life in his legacy with your help. You’re just as talented as he was, and people adore you. This could be something incredible. Not only would it be a gold mine, but it would carry his legacy forward. A landmark in his name, his honor, and his memory.”
I have to suppress a scoff.
It’s not like there’s not already a freaking Lane Building across the street.
“It sounds amazing, and we’d love to give Oscar such a legacy.” Koen sets down his fork, reaching for his own water. “But we’re not businessmen.”
“Oh, I know, darling,” Veronica waves a dismissive hand. “But that’s not a problem. That’s where Nicholas and I come in. You focus on the fun part… the shows, the concept, the look and feel. Nicholas and I will handle the logistics.”
Koen’s gaze shifts to Nicholas. “You’d help us with this?”
Nicholas’s expression remains impassive. “Mother thinks it’s a good investment, and I don’t question her.”
“He’s excited to help.” Veronica’s smile tightens. “Right, Nicholas?”
Nicholas inclines his head. “Of course, Mother.”
