Jeremy's eyes narrowed angrily. “You can’t be serious.”
There was the briefest pause on the other end.
“Understood."
I held my exhale steady. “I want it done by morning.”
“Yes, sir.”
I ended the call and pocketed my phone. Jeremy stared, unsure if he heard right. I looked at Vani, then him.
“It’s a gift to my wife,” I said. “You'd better be nice to her. She’ll be your boss by morning.”
The silence around us deepened. This time, people definitely were listening. I could practically feel the shock spreading in quiet ripples through the nearby guests, see it in the way a few heads subtly turned before snapping back as if they hadn’t been paying attention at all.
His mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
His face contorted with anger, desperation flickering in his eyes. I couldn’t tell whether it was my threat or the way Idelivered it that broke him, as if buying his company was as effortless as ordering a drink.
Vani looked up at me, and even though she hadn’t said a word yet, I could feel the heat of her stare.
He glared at both of us for another beat before he finally turned and marched away, dragging the woman with him. I watched him go without a shred of regret. Only when he had disappeared into the crowd did I look down at Vani.
"You did not just do that.”
I let one brow lift. “I did.”
Feeling a little better, I led Vani into the ballroom as the auction portion of the ball was about to begin. The music had softened, the lights were focused more toward the stage, and the restless energy of the room told me the main event was about to start. People were finishing conversations and making their way to their tables, champagne glasses in hand.
I guided Vani to our table, resting my hand lightly on her back. Once there, I pulled out her chair and then sat beside her.
“You look calmer,” she murmured, glancing at me.
“I am,” I admitted quietly. “Mostly because neither of us caused a big scene with our ex.”
Her lips curved faintly. “Don’t tempt me. The night isn’t over.”
I huffed a quiet laugh.
Before I could respond, the other seats at our table began to fill.
My parents appeared first, then Emily and Theo, settling in as the auction began. The stage lights brightened, signaling the start.
But I barely noticed. My attention was on my father. His jaw was tight, his shoulders stiff, and the look in his eyes was the kind that usually meant someone was about to get a lecture they would never forget.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, leaning slightly toward him.
He didn’t even hesitate. “Your mother added Victoria to the guest list.”
Across the table, Emily’s eyes widened slightly while Theo looked between my parents with obvious curiosity. Before I could say anything, my mother hurried into the last empty chair at the table.
“That is not true,” she said immediately.
Dad turned his head slowly toward her. “Oh?”
