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“You should take that up with your boss,” I said. “He has impeccable taste.”

“That’s debatable,” she muttered. “Actually, I’m his colleague. Not his employee.”

“He doesn’t sign your paycheck?” Where did that come from? “It doesn’t matter. I don’t need to concern myself with Huxley’s business.”

“Please.” She rolled her eyes and gazed up through her false lashes. “You are his business. Do you think he would have asked you here tonight and given you such an elaborate dress and diamonds if he didn’t want something from you?” She laughed. “And I’m not talking about the obvious, although I am a little surprised that Huxley went for someone so young and…”

She trailed off but didn’t back down from her intense gaze. Mean girl vibes. It’s Wednesday. I’m surprised she’s not wearing pink.

“And what?”

“It’s clear the two of you don’t come from the same place.” She fixed her hair in the mirror. “He’s sophisticated and educated. His momentary lapse in judgment the other night could be dismissed as a mid-life crisis, but the only reason you’re getting a second thought from him is because he needs something.”

Don’t let her get to you.

“The man is relentless. When he sets his sights on something he wants, he lacks empathy or remorse. Watching him execute a plan is a thing of beauty. No target has ever walked away unscathed. You won’t be an exception,” she said. “If anything, you’re too easy for him. He likes to be challenged.”

“You know him so well.” I gripped my clutch. “I would think with all of that inside knowledge you would have gotten what you wanted by now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hmm…” When I grinned, the smugness in her expression disappeared. “Here you are with all this insight on Huxley. A man everyone wants to know. The rich, eligible bachelor with an elusive, mysterious side. Most women would do anything to be in your position. To work so closely with him. To spend all those hours together.”

“I do know him extremely well.”

“That’s the funny thing about this whole situation.” I stepped toward her, towering over her in these heels. “Even with all of your information, I’m the one who is going home with him tonight. It will be me he brings to his new bed, and he’ll be the one taking this Versace off me.”

Take that, mean girl.

I pushed past her and opened the door, taking my time to exit the restroom. The heat rose in my cheeks and my heart pounded hard in my chest, but the sense of satisfaction that filled me couldn’t be rivaled.

As I left the bathroom with a newly found voice, my Uncle Kent hurried in my direction, blocking me before I could get back to the lobby.

“Ivy,” he said. “I think we should talk.”

“About what?” All of this confrontation was exhausting.

“Huxley.” He tightened his jaw. “I’m not sure what’s going on between the two of you, but you might be in over your head.”

“Why would you think that? You don’t really know anything about me.”

“Oh, come on. You grew up around me. We lived in the same house for years. After your parents died, Travis and I helped raise you.”

I couldn’t deny any of that, but then they went off to college, got married and had families. All of that was natural. What wasn’t acceptable was how they treated me after my grandmother died. It was as if I didn’t exist anymore.

“Do me a favor.” He tapped my nose like he did when I was four. “Don’t agree to anything Huxley has to offer you until you consult with me or Travis. You might think he’s offering you a solid deal, but there are plenty of factors to consider.”

“Like what?” Huxley had already offered me a ton of money for the property. He was being more than fair.

“We can talk about it later.” Kent nodded toward Huxley as he made his way across the lobby. “You don’t have to rush this. Let him wait.”

“Have fun in Hawaii,” I said. “I’m sure it’s lovely this time of year.”

“Thank you.” Kent turned to Huxley when he approached us. “It was a pleasure seeing you tonight.”

“I enjoyed dinner.” Huxley wrapped his arm around my waist, taking possession of me. I didn’t mind. “Thank you for sharing stories of Ivy and your family.”

“Perhaps we can do dinner with Travis and our wives after the holidays.” Kent glanced at me before returning his attention to Huxley. “That might be a more appropriate time to share some of your ideas for this venture you’re embarking on.”