Because I’ve seen this before. Women reduced to categories. Worth measured by proximity to power. Silence mistaken for consent.
And Scarlett thinks she’s untouchable. That she’s already won.
I meet her gaze and let the polite smile fall away.
“You know, Scarlett, that’s an interesting perspective. But here’s the thing about filet mignon.” My voice is calm, clear, and carries just enough edge to cut through the yacht’s ambient chatter. I take a step closer, ignoring West’s subtle warning pressure on myback.
“It’s expensive. It takes forever to prepare. And sometimes?” I let my gaze drift pointedly towards Blake, then back to her. “Sometimes, after all that fuss, you take a bite and realize… it’s overdone. Maybe even a little tough. A little… disappointing.”
I shrug, aiming for nonchalant. “Meanwhile, that greasy burger? It might be simple. It might be messy. But it’s honest. It’s satisfying. And it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not.”
Silence. Utter, ringing silence descends on our little group.
Blake stares at me, his expression unreadable. Natalie looks bewildered.
The bridesmaids have stopped pretending not to eavesdrop.
West’s hand tightens almost imperceptibly on my back. Is it shock? Approval? I don’t dare look at him.
Scarlett’s face is a mask of icy fury. The red tips of her fingers tighten around her champagne flute. For a second, I think she might throw it at me.
Instead, she forces a brittle laugh. “Charming,” she spits. “Utterly… charming.”
She turns abruptly on her stiletto-heeled sandals, her sarong flaring, and stalks towards the bar.
The tension breaks. Blake lets out a low whistle, his eyes fixed on me with unnerving intensity. “Me-ow! Jane! Didn’t know you had claws. Well damn.”
Natalie frowns slightly, looking between Blake, Scarlett’s retreating back, and me. “What was that about?”
“Just a difference in culinary philosophy, darling,” Blake says smoothly, pulling her closer again. “Nothing to worry about. Come on, let’s go check out the snorkeling gear.” He leads her away, shooting me one last, lingering look over his shoulder.
Sloane catches my eye, gives a tiny nod. Katelyn gives me a thumb’s up. Then they immediately herd the rest of the girls a few steps away into a tight little huddle that screamsgossip in progress.
The moment they’re out of earshot, West spins me to face him. His eyes are blazing. “What the hell was that?”
My bravado wobbles. Not because I regret what I said—but because consequences are a thing.
“I… I don’t know!” I admit. “I wasn’t going to stand there and let her talk like that. Not in front of Natalie. And calling mecheap fast food when she… she…! Argh, I just… reacted!”
I drag a hand through my hair.
“Did I blow it? It was bad, wasn’t it? Did I just ruin everything? But if that costs me fifty grand, then—”
I wince.
“Ruin it?”
West cuts me off. He stares at me for a long moment, then a slow, incredulous grin spreads across his face. It transforms him, lighting up his eyes, carving deep grooves beside his mouth.
“Jane Cooper, you magnificent disaster.” He shakes his head, laughter bubbling in his voice. “That was… spectacular. Scarlett looked like she swallowed a lemon whole.”
He leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. “And Blake? He couldn’t take his eyes off you. You just became infinitely more interesting.”
Relief washes over me, so intense it makes my knees weak. “So… not ruined?”
“Not even close.” His grin turns wolfish. “But you definitely kicked the hornet’s nest. Scarlett won’t forget that. So, watch your back.”
He glances over my shoulder, his expression hardening just a fraction.
