Page 34 of What Comes Around

I returned to my room and changed into a fitted black evening dress, pairing it with red heels and matching red lipstick. My blonde hair stayed pinned up.

The industry dinner was held in one of the hotel’s private event halls, a dimly lit space beneath crystal chandeliers with long tables draped in linen.

The room filled quickly with executives, investors, developers, and politicians. People moved in polite circles, smiling with their eyes while calculating with their minds.

As we entered, attention shifted almost immediately toward Knox.

An older man stepped forward, a younger woman at his side.

“Knox, it’s been too long,” he said warmly. “I don’t believe you’ve met my daughter, Sophia.”

Sophia looked to be in her early twenties, beautiful in a polished, effortless way. Soft dark curls framed her face and her designer dress fit her perfectly. Her curious eyes lingered on Knox with open admiration.

“It’s such an honor to meet you,” she said.

Knox inclined his head politely, though there was little warmth in it. “Likewise.”

“Sophia just finished her degree in communications,” her father added with obvious pride.

“I’ve followed your work for years,” she told Knox.

“That’s kind of you,” he replied with a brief nod.

Meanwhile two businessmen had turned their attention to me.

“Miss Richards, we’ve heard impressive things about your models,” one of them said.

Before I could respond, Knox glanced in our direction. “It’s time to sit before someone steals my analyst.”

The men laughed and I offered a polite smile.

We were guided toward the long central table. By the time we reached our places, Sophia had somehow ended up seated beside Knox.

I was about to move farther down when Knox lifted his hand slightly.

“Ashley,” he said. “Sit here.”

He made sure I took the seat on his other side, placing me between him and Marcus.

Sophia glanced between us, her expression shifting as she quietly recalculated.

Dinner unfolded in overlapping conversations. Sophia tried repeatedly to engage Knox, but within minutes it became clear she wasn’t from the industry. She spoke about travel, fashion, social events, and vague ambitions.

Knox answered politely. Briefly

Across the table, a man leaned toward me and drew me into a discussion about investment trends and emerging markets.

I responded easily. Fluidly.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Knox’s jaw tighten. His answers to Sophia grew shorter. His tone colder.

Then Knox was called to the podium.

He spoke about future markets, strategic expansion, and growth. It was clear people listened. Respected him.

When he returned to the table, his mood had not improved.

Sophia tried again.