My eyes widen. “She quit? Why?”
Vi pins me with a look that sayswhy do you think?
Levi simply shrugs. “I didn’t ask. It wasn’t important.”
That’s when I notice his hands. Nervously pinching the hem of his shirt. Tugging and pulling—and wincing every time he does.
“Do you love her? Miss her? Think about her? Want her back?” Vi asks in a firm, rapid-fire manner.
He finally lets go of his shirt. “The answer to all those questions isno. No, I don’t. I love your sister. I missCece. I constantly think about Cece. I want Cece… back.”
Vi frowns at him even as he stares back at her with an intent gaze. I almost feel like my facial muscles would allow me a smile. But all I feel is a twitch on my nose.
The sheer uncertainty emanating from Levi has me on edge. He isn’t his usual self, and I find myself wanting to hug him all the same.
My stomach sinks when a random thought hits me. Doeshealso have a signal? Did I miss it because I was too selfish to realize it?
Is it disgustingly hypocritical of me to hold something against him when I might have missed something so crucial about him?
I gulp hard, almost audibly, that both of their heads snap to me. My whole body itches as I shoot up, unable to stay in their vicinity. Whatever semblance of a mask I have, I’ll use it.
If only to get through this dinner I had no plans to attend.
Before I head to the dining area, walking past Vi, I mumble. “Behave, alright.”
She rolls her eyes. “I will.”
“I promise,” Levi says at the same time.
If I were even remotely in the mood, I’d be amused. Maybe even manage a chuckle at his immediate response. But nothing is getting past this fog that keeps rising up.
Half an hour later, we’re all sitting around the massive dining table, Levi right next to me. The clink of silver cutlery is all I can hear. Occasionally, my father would make a remark that forces me to join in. But I remain quiet for the most part.
If it wasn’t for the three glasses of wine thrumming in my veins, I’d probably be screaming at everyone to shut the hell up.
Thank you, Cabernet Sauvignon.
A slight warmth has taken over my face. Enough that I don’t even mind the errant strands of my too-long hair that keep bugging my eyes.
“When are you holding the press conference?” Dad asks, the question clearly directed at Levi.
He clears his throat, gently squeezing my thigh under the table. “By the end of this week, Samuel. I wanted to have some alignment with you before I arrange it.”
My body locks up. Here it comes.
“Alignment?” Mom asks, her confused gaze darting between the two of us.
“There have been some changes since…” Levi begins. “Well, since the arrests were made. My lawyers and I have talked at length and—”
“I know you’re trying to get rid of the clause,” Dad cuts in smoothly. “But that doesn’t… does it affect anything else?”
A weighted silence takes over. I have half a mind to join in. Perhaps the blow would be lessened if it came from me. But I don’t get a chance to even form a sentence in my head and gather any courage to make my lips move. Because Levi answers in his practiced, smooth voice.
“We’re holding off on all capital transfers, Mr. Wentworth. That means—”
My father lets his fork clatter on his plate. “Are you saying you’re backing off on the merger?”
I’ve never heard my father sound this enraged. His jaw is clenched, hands gripping the edge of the table. Mom immediately steps in, squeezing his shoulder gently.
