Page 26 of Ungodly Rich

Percy tilted his head. “Tell me, why didn’t you go into academia? You obviously have the brain for it.”

“Art history doesn’t pay the bills.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Julia regretted them. It felt ridiculous to talk about money in front of Harry’s family, who were richer than god.

To her relief, Percy laughed. “Unfortunately, art is an expensive hobby. Almost as bad as polo. Still,” he went on, “I know what we pay tour guides on the cruises. It’s not any better than what you could’ve made as a junior professor.”

“I only took the tour guide job out of necessity. I was supposed to go to law school, but—…” Julia broke off, wondering why she felt the need to explain. There was just something about Percy. He had a way of setting you at ease, a carefree charm and bright laugh that made youwantto reveal pieces of yourself.

“But?” Percy prompted.

“But it turned out that law school wasn’t in the cards for me,” Julia said vaguely.

Law school had been her mother’s own plan, before she got pregnant with Julia and had to drop out. Julia knew it wasn’t her fault, and yet, she hated that the very fact of her very existence had forced Claire to give up on her dreams.Maybe I’ll go back to law school someday,Claire used to say. Julia had been a child, then, too young to understand that adults saysomedaywhen they meannever.

That was the reason she’d wanted to go to law school. To live the life that her mother had never gotten the chance to.

“Probably for the best that you aren’t a lawyer,” Percy said in a lighthearted tone that didn’t fool Julia. He was giving her space to recover her emotions. “I mean, look at Alina. She always seems so…tired.”

“I like Alina,” Julia protested, wanting to defend Harry’s sister.

Percy chuckled. “Of course you do. Fellow nerds, unite!” His words were affectionate, so Julia didn’t take offense. If anything, she felt oddly pleased that Percy was comfortable teasing her.

“I’m afraid I don’t know many people here,” she admitted. “Can you point out who’s who?”

“I’d love to,” Percy said with relish. “The red-faced man laughing by the bar is Harry’s cousin Dylan. He used to head the company’s fine wines division, but they had to transfer him to hotels. Not that his responsibilities have really changed,” Percy added, amused. “From what I can tell, all he does is visit luxury hotels and go wine tasting.”

“Great work if you can get it,” Julia quipped. She refrained from mentioning her unexpected run-in with Dylan, the impetus that had brought her here.

Percy nodded to a tall, striking man standing next to a wiry, athletic brunette. Neither of them were smiling. “Paul and Diana. They’re twins and only ever hang out with each other. Isn’t that a little weird? Like, you’re not in the womb anymore, find some new friends.”

Julia laughed appreciatively. “There was a pair of twins like that at my high school, but they were identical.”

“Did they do that thing where they dress alike? So creepy!”

Julia started to reply, only to feel Percy tense beside her. “What is it?” she asked.

“Oh, just my uncle Lucian. I’m surprised he came, is all. He never attends these things.” Percy gestured to a pale man with dark hair who looked to be in his early thirties. He was dressed as preppily as everyone else, in a seersucker suit. But there was something imposing about him, something no-nonsense that made Julia suspect he found this party—his own outfit, even—as ridiculous as she did.

She started to ask Percy more but hesitated, feeling the sudden, unmistakable prickle of someone watching her. She turned around slowly.

Staring at her from across the lawn was the most beautiful woman Julia had ever seen.

It almost hurt to look at her, she was so striking, with long blond hair and impossibly symmetrical features. Her perfectly lipsticked mouth was pulled into a frown. And her blue eyes were narrowed on Julia.

“Is it just me, or does that woman hate me?” Julia asked.

“Don’t mind Valentine. She hates everyone,” Percy said quickly.

Most people, when they were caught staring, flushed guiltily and looked away, but not Valentine. She tipped her chin up and held Julia’s gaze, as if daring her to come say hello.

“Is she Harry’s ex or something?” It was the only explanation for Valentine’s behavior.

“What?” Percy sounded shocked. “Why would you say that?”

“Because she’s looking at me like she wants to crush me under those spiky heels of hers.”

“Like I said, she’s never been the most welcoming. She’s married to Harry’s brother. Anyway,” Percy singsonged, in a clear attempt to change the subject, “if you’re ever in New York, you need to come visit. Imustshow you my Manet.”