They disappeared down the path, Zoe's excited chatter fading into the distance. We stood in silence for a moment, the ocean breeze drifting through the open windows.
"Walk with me?" I asked.
She nodded.
The resort was even more impressive up close. Winding paths through tropical gardens, hidden alcoves with stunning views, and staff members who greeted us by name even though we'd been here less than an hour. Sebastian's attention to detail was evident in every perfectly placed stone, every artfully arranged flower.
I hated how good he was at this.
"You're doing it again," Kim said.
"Doing what?"
"That thing where you pretend you're fine while silently comparing yourself to your brother."
I opened my mouth to deny it. Closed it again. "Am I that obvious?"
"To me." She glanced at me sideways. "For what it's worth, I like your version better."
"My version of what?"
"Everything." She shrugged.
Before I could respond—before I could process the warmth spreading through my chest—a voice cut through the tropical air.
"Kim?"
We both turned.
Cole Matthews stood on the path ahead of us, looking like he'd just stepped off a yacht. White linen shirt, pressed slacks, that same polished corporate charm that made me want to punch something.
Kim went pale.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was ice.
"The Dubois family invited me." Cole spread his hands, all innocence. "Part of the investor relations. I had no idea you'd be here."
The lie was so smooth it almost sounded true.
"Is that true?" Kim turned to me, her eyes blazing. "Did you invite him?"
"I didn't?—"
She didn't wait for me to finish. She spun on her heel and stormed away, her white sundress fluttering behind her like a flag of surrender.
Cole watched her go with an expression I couldn't read. "She definitely hates me."
"Can you blame her?"
He flinched. Just slightly, but I caught it. "No. I suppose I can't."
I didn't wait for him to say anything else. I took off after Kim, following the flash of white through the gardens.
"Kim! Kim, wait?—"
She didn't slow down. If anything, she walked faster, her sandals slapping against the stone path.
"Kim, please?—"
