By the time we reached the executive floor, Steele Corp’s PR team had already released a statement about the Riverfront project, a combined marketing push and public opinion nudge for both Steele Corp and me.They’d named me as the person directly responsible for closing a multimillion-dollar deal for a high-end resort meant to boost Motan’s tourism and create higher-paying job options in an oversaturated, low-paying job market.
Dropping my name while the fashion show was still trending increased the press release’s visibility—something that wouldn’t have been good for the company or me before Kaya’s livestreams.But now, thanks to an increasing number of supporters on the fashion show article, the debate regarding my authenticity carried over to the press release, bringing even more exposure.
While people were still very split about my role at Steele Corp, they weren’t as divided about the resort, especially the high-paying jobs aspect.
I smiled because, somewhere in Motan, a very angry she-dragon was choking on her prophecy of regret.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Kaya and Momwere in high spirits when we came home that evening.
“That press release was brilliant,” Kaya said.“It was so hard for me not to mention it when your Mom and I went live making dessert together.”
“What did you make?”Konni asked, his interest visibly piqued.
“Bombolini.”
He hugged her.“You’re the best mom in the world.”
Mom cleared her throat.Konni’s guilty look and quick “moms” correction had me giggling as we all sat at the table.
“Actually, I have to agree with you,” Mom said with a wry smile as Konni filled my plate.“Kaya is the best mom.Lianna called this afternoon, asking her to go shopping, but Kaya politely shut it down and suggested that, if Lianna was bored, she should focus on finding her mate so she can bond with her future mother-in-law.You should have heard Lianna stammer.”
“I can’t imagine she liked hearing that,” I said, taking my first bite.
“She didn’t,” Kaya said.“But it’s what she needed to hear.The sooner she accepts she’s not Konni’s mate, the better.Now tell me what happened with the shareholders today.”
“They stopped calling after public opinion started to shift and stocks rose.”
“I’m sure Lianna’s not done trying yet,” I said.“Instead of living the rich girl life, she went to work with you for years, hoping to gain your attention and approval.That kind of dedication doesn’t just vanish.”
“Is that what you’re doing?Giving up the rich girl life to win my approval?You already have it,” Konni said, his eyes glittering with a familiar gold.
“Giving up?Heck no.I’m strategically positioning myself to embrace that life fully.”
The gold increased.
“Say the word, and it’s yours.”
“Pfft.If it’s handed to me, people will think they can take it away.By earning it in the eyes of everyone watching, we’ll be able to live a more peaceful life.”
“And you definitely need more peace if you want to keep dragging poor Sophia away every chance you get,” his mom said.
It was like she’d given him permission.Because a second later, I was tossed over his shoulder.
“What about dessert?”his mom called, laughing, as Konni strode away with me.
His hand smoothed over my backside as he softly said, “I’m about to have it.”
Anticipation lit inside of me.
I wasn’t “poor Sophia.”I was “that lucky bitch Sophia” because my mate knew just how to have me screaming his name as he had his way with me until I passed out.
Sleeping in his arms was divine.Waking up in them was even better, though.I listened to his contented rumble and smiled when he kissed my temple.
“I don’t want this to change,” I said without opening my eyes.
The volume of rumbling quieted.
