“Nothing.” Jude smiled at Rebel, who sniffed and turned away.
“Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Would anyone like a top-up?” Eve asked, returning.
“No thanks, I’m driving,” Aaron replied, followed by the rest of the men. Eve turned towards the women, who all looked to Winona. Why did they need permission from that old hag? My temper was sparking; the insults I was receiving were beyond the pale. I couldn’t wait to tell these fuckers I didn’t want their investment. Fuck all of them.
“Do you have a white wine?” Winona finally said, and Eve smiled. She went to move behind the bar, and I snapped my fingers. Eve paused and glanced over, biting her lip, worried.
“Get one of the servers to serve them. That is not your job. You’re here as my girlfriend, Eve,” I stated.
“Looks like history’s repeating itself,” Oceane muttered as Eve hesitated, unsure what to do.
“I don’t mind, darling,” Eve finally murmured.
“I do. Come here,” I ordered, and Eve smiled and hurried over. Nobody made my girlfriend wait on them. Screw politeness. Eve slid next to me, and I wrapped an arm around her.
“In that case, maybe we ought to get down to business and…” Aaron began but was interrupted by the catering manager.
“Would you all like to be seated, we’ll bring in starters shortly,” she said with a worried glance about the room. I understood why. These assholes were creating a bad atmosphere. I couldn’t believe I’d shelled out money for this. Well, after tonight, I wouldn’t need them. With Mystique in my pocket, I could get any investor I wanted.
Chapter Twenty.
Oceane
You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. Honestly, I did feel a little sorry for Eve, although she deserved everything aimed at her. This had been Alicia’s home, and Eve was here acting in Alicia’s place. But after seeing how Oliver was treating her, like a possession, I felt a teeny, tiny bit mean. But that soon faded as I watched confidence wash over her as she stood by Oliver’s side.
Eve’s cunning was obvious and repulsive. I understood ambitious women, even those who wanted more than their lot in life. But desperation rolled off Eve like stench off a sewer. Eve believed she was the victor. Yeah, she’d beaten Alicia and won Oliver, but he was a long way from a prize, and Eve would soon learn that. Women like her made me angry, but sooner or later, they got their comeuppance. It was the victims they left in their path that I’d reserve my sympathy for.
Awkwardness had fallen over the table, although Oliver looked smug. We just had to get through this meal, though nobody wanted to be here.
“How’s the latest game coming?” I asked Rebel.
Happily, she grinned. “Kicking ass. The release date is in three months, and it’s the best I’ve done.”
“What number is it?” Winona inquired.
“Will we get a copy?” Dax demanded.
“Of course. It’s the fourth in the series, and you’ll love the graphics. They’re out of this world.”
“What game is this?” Eve asked.
Rebel paused. “Inferno Killers. A war world where you beat the aliens who are invading the universe.”
Oliver sniffed and looked down his nose. “Never heard of it.”
I snorted, amused. That was a slap at Rebel, and she wouldn’t stand the insult.
“You’ve not heard of Inferno Killers?” Aaron demanded.
“No,” Oliver stated, clearly enjoying denying knowledge of the series.
“Dude, eighty-year-old grandparents are acquainted with the franchise. The advertising and merchandise are everywhere. You have to be living under a stone, or wilfully ignorant. Which is it?” I asked.
Oliver turned. “The game can’t be famous.”
“Ah, yes, because the world revolves around you,” I quipped and snorted again. What a total prick.
“You are being purposely difficult, and I question why. Do you enjoy being considered stupid? Because anyone who hasn’t seen the marketing for Inferno Killers has a limited intellect,” Dax stated, holding Oliver’s surprised gaze. Yeah, that’s right, asshole, Dax just called you out.
