Conversation moved to property, to which the men went around, bragging about what they had purchased or were planning to buy. I sat back, adding when prompted,lying through my teeth. I told them I owned property in Aspen and Monaco.
They seemed to completely forget that I’d never given my name or my business.
“Your watch. Is that a Blancpain?” Yong asked. I grinned, flashing the table my green watch.
“Vacheron.”
The table grew silent as they stared at me.
Nathan’s eyes grew small as I put my arm down. A trickle of panic slid up my throat. I shifted to stand and leave.
“Well, I’ve seen American Psycho, I have little desire to reenact the business card scene with our watches. It’s been a pleasure, men. I’m sure I’ll see you at another party.”
“Oh fuck,” Dean hissed and threw his arm around me. “You can stay, man. Did you hear that this Gatsby guy gave Daisy Lovelace her own dressing room at the Theater? Pissed Max right the fuck off. He’s losing it.”
“Lovelace?” I asked, relieved, yet excitement rushed through me as I relaxed into my seat.
“Max Stanton’s fiancée, reluctant fiancée.” Dean laughed. “She’s a dancer, best one in her company.”
“I see.” I sipped my drink. “And he’s mad she’s being treated as such?”
The table snickered.
“He clings tight to what he thinks is his,” Yong said cryptically. “And he thinks Daisy is his.”
“She’s his fiancée, you said,” I pointed out.
“In theory.” Yong raised his eyebrows. “I’d bet next year’s bonus they don’t get married.”
“Ha!” Nathan slapped the table. “I’ll bet my quarterly bonus they do! Daisy is a bit skittish, but she’s not stupid. Max won’t just let her walk away.”
“You don’t think so?” Yong asked.
I took in all the information.
“No, he won’t. Daisy is his trophy. Everyone knows there’s no mutual attraction there. She hates him. She’s not the quiet wife that you want. I’ve heard her speak. She’s got very liberal views.” He paused to snicker. The rest of his friends mimicked him, muttering complaints about democrats and wokeness. I didn’t engage. He continued.
“I’m sure she’s tried to leave more than once, but once Max decides he has to own something, there’s no changing his mind. I heard he’s bringing Lydia back to the States just to make sure she doesn’t leave.”
“Lydia?” My question was drowned out as the table erupted in bets about whether Max and Daisy would get married or not. Soon, the conversation shifted to his businesses and various partnerships and deals, and the debate completely fizzled off with no solid agreement on the wedding that was apparently going to happen very, very soon.
At midnight, I realized I’d yet to check in with the dinner party upstairs. I politely excused myself and thanked the men for their company.
A pit formed in my stomach, making me queasy as I exited through the crowd.
Who was Lydia, and why would she prevent Daisy from leaving Max?
Chapter 33
Daisy
“Henry Farrow,producer of the beloved children’s show, The Dog House, is still missing after thirty days. He was last seen at his studio, where he gives private acting lessons. Farrow was accused of sexual misconduct by a group of women who were once in his cast. The group has accused him of abusing them when they were on the show, some of them as young as nine years old. Charges were pressed but no arrests were made. Despite the allegations, Farrow continues to be a beloved man at FMF studios, and if you know or hear anything regarding his whereabouts, police encourage you to call the number on the screen. A reward of $200 is being offered if your tip helps them find him.”
“This is just one of a string of missing men and women from around the country who have been reported missing with no trace. All of these people have been accused or convicted of sexual crimes. Is there someone out there targeting these people?”
“Are you insinuating we have a serial killer in our midst, Lucas?”
“Or a vigilante, depends on the company you keep, Darla.”
