I can’t even blame him. I used to be the same way with my sisters, convinced they were innocent, untouchable. That was before Thalia had an affair with a married man and Aria got knocked up by her bodyguard. The rose-tinted glasses slipped. And as much as I love my sisters, they’ve both made choices I don’t agree with.
Innocence fades fast.
Anais may look virtuous, but she is anything but.
And one day Harrison will see that.
I sigh. “Can we play? I’ve had enough of you assholes already, and I’ve only been here…” I look down at my Audemars Piguet. “Fifteen minutes.”
Nathaniel chuckles, forever the joker of the group. “Come on, boys. Let’s deal. Evan’s already hit his limit, and I’ve got a hot date at midnight.”
“By hot date, you mean you’ve booked a room at Elite?” Hayes raises a brow.
Nathaniel smirks. “You know me too well, my friend.”
I shake my head, though the idea of a visit to Elitesuddenly seems like the perfect distraction. After the Anais bombshell, I’ve got enough tension to work off for a year.
Harrison snaps his fingers, calling a name. In the next moment, a poker dealer appears from the kitchen where he has been hiding with the chef.
I smirk.
I don’t need the money.
But I’m going to enjoy every minute of taking theirs.
Chapter 4
Anais
Istride into the Maxwell building wearing faux confidence like perfume. Strong enough to fool a stranger, not quite enough to convince myself. I head straight for the front desk, where two women greet me with polished smiles. I’m here to collect my identification and the access card I’ll need for the duration of my internship.
The lobby is everything you’d expect from a billion-dollar company. Sleek, modern and buzzing with a quiet kind of power.
“Good morning and welcome to Maxwell Diamonds. My name is Clara. How can I assist you today?” The older of the two women greets me, her voice warm and professional.
Adjusting my purse on my shoulder, I return her smile. “Good morning, Clara. I’m Anais Lauder. Uncle Christ…” I catch myself just in time, clearing my throat. I cannot refer to him as Uncle Christian in here. “Mr. Maxwell asked me to collect my ID and access card from reception? I’m starting my internship today.” I stare at them with wide eyes as if that will help me.
Clara’s smile widens, her demeanor putting me at ease. “Of course, Ms. Lauder. Mr. Maxwell mentioned you’d be joining us today.” After checking my ID, she taps at her keyboard, before rising, and holding up a small camera. “Please look at the lens. I’ll take a quick picture, then print your pass. You’ll need to wear it on a Maxwell branded lanyard. It will allow you access to most areas of the building. If it’s ever lost or stolen, please do let us know right away so we can cancel it.”
“Of course,” I nod, offering a composed smile as I look into the camera. Within seconds, it clicks and it’s not long before Clara is handing me a plastic card, still warm from the printer. My name, photo, and job title are printed clearly across the credit card sized pass.
Assistant to Mr. Evan Maxwell…
My heart skips a beat.
What the fuck?
When I asked Christian about an internship, I expected to be near Evan, sure, but assisting him directly? That wasn’t in the plan. I just assumed, I’d be given an entry level role, filing or something equally as boring.
I swallow hard, nerves taking flight in my stomach and my heart pounding in my chest. This is more than I bargained for and exactly what I wanted. I’m just not sure whether I’m ready to work that closely with him.
“Everything alright, Ms. Lauder?” Clara asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I force a smile, shifting on my feet, suddenly feeling more anxious than I thought possible.
“Yes,” I assure her. “Thank you for all your help.”
As I turn, I walk straight into a wall of muscle. By the way my body tenses, I don’t even have to look to see who it is.
