"Beautiful!" the photographer enthuses. "Can you look at each other? Like you're in love?"
I turn toward Victor, and he’s already looking at me.
For a moment, neither of us are acting.
The camera flashes.
"Perfect! That's going to be gorgeous."
The photographer moves on, and Victor and I are left standing too close, looking at each other, pretending this is all fake.
"Drink?" he asks.
"God, yes."
He steers me toward the bar, and I'm grateful for the movement because standing still next to him is dangerous.
The bartender—who clearly recognizes Victor—has our drinks ready before we even order. Champagne for me. Whiskey for him.
"Perks of being you," I huff out.
"Perks of being a major investor in this hotel."
“Easy to say when you’re an adult Richie Rich.”
"I prefer the term 'successful entrepreneur.'"
“Richie Rich is more fun to say."
"Is it?"
“Rich-ie Rich.” I test the word, smacking my lips. "Definitely more fun."
He's fighting a smile again. I'm getting better at making that happen.
"Victor!" A voice cuts through the crowd. A woman approaches—late fifties, long-sleeved dress, a quiet confidence that comes from never being told no. "Congratulations on the marriage! Quite the surprise."
Victor's expression morphs into something more guarded. "Patricia. I didn't know you'd be here."
Patricia. As in Patricia Franklin. The board member who—from what I hear—isn’t too fond of our shared CEO.
Clearly, this is about to get interesting.
"Wouldn't miss it," Patricia says, her smile not reaching her eyes. "And this must be the famous Mrs. Kade. The one from the video game chapel."
The way she says it makes it sound like an insult.
"Harper Beaumont," I say, extending my hand because I was raised with manners even when dealing with assholes.
Patricia shakes it, pulling her grip away a tad too fast. "Charming. Tell me, how does one go from hosting a cooking show to marrying the CEO? That's quite a career advancement."
The implication is clear. And insulting.
Victor's jaw tightens, but before he can say anything, I smile wider.
"Actually, I married Victor because he's terrible at making regular coffee and I felt sorry for him. The CEO thing is just a bonus."
Patricia blinks. "I—what?"
