Page 64 of Billionaire’s Cruelty

“There’s someone I want you to meet,” I said, trying to ease the tension simmering in the air. “Kai, this is Dannie. Dannie, Kai.”

I didn’t want to define either man’s role in my life. Labels would only complicate things further. Kai and I weren’t officially anything, and Dannie didn’t need to know the tangled history between us. Besides, which label should I choose for Dannie—my ex, my savior, my husband?

“Sorry for disappearing,” I added, leaning against Kai. His hand found my waist, steady and reassuring. “I went out to find this one.”

“Perfect timing,” Dannie said, extending a hand toward me. “It’s time for cake.”

I straightened, pulling away from Kai’s warmth. “What is going on?”

“It’s my grandmother’s birthday, remember? We’re having a party upstairs,” Dannie explained, his voice unusually light. He said it like I’d forgotten—but I was there. What was he really trying to say?

“You should go,” Kai murmured, making a subtle gesture for me to leave.

I hesitated, leaning closer to whisper, “Thanks Kai.”

“You should join us,” Dannie added, surprising me with his invitation.

I smiled at Dannie, grateful for the effort he was making. With Kai by my side and Dannie leading the way, we entered the grand lobby and stepped into the elevator. Strangely, Dannie allowed his men to follow us inside. Normally, he preferred distance. Was it Kai’s presence that changed his mind?

In the ballroom, the soft hum of conversation mixed with clinking glasses. Dannie gestured to a passing waitress to bring us some drinks. Both Kai and Dannie took a glass of champagne while I opted for sparkling water.

Kai studied Dannie for a moment. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

Dannie gave a faint smile. “Maybe in a past life. But I do have one of those faces.”

Dannie didn’t. His face was the kind people remembered—the kind that made strangers look twice. Some wouldn’t call him traditionally handsome, especially if they preferred clean-cut, Wall Street types. But his angular jaw, tall nose, and the mystery behind his gaze made him unforgettable. There was an exotic quality to him that kept people guessing about him. Was he Mongolian? Russian, perhaps?

“I’m usually very good with faces. Apologies if I’ve forgotten,” Kai said smoothly.

“Not at all. I hear you’re in the food business,” Dannie replied. I felt the tension ripple inside me as I knew that he had a habit of keeping tabs on potential threats, but I hadn’t realized that included Kai.

“Yes, among other things. Have you been to any of my restaurants?”

“Ding Lou was a favorite,” Dannie admitted. “You’re brave to open in Hong Kong.”

The hair on my back prickled. Was that a warning? Without thinking, I reached out and tugged Dannie’s sleeve lightly.

His expression softened instantly.

“What is it, sweetie? Are you okay?” His voice dipped gently, his gaze softer.

I shook my head quickly. “I’m fine.”

Kai, however, wasn’t letting it go. “What do you mean by brave?”

Dannie shrugged, his smile easy. “Hong Kongers have peculiar tastes. Everyone here thinks they’re a food critic. I admire anyone bold enough to open a restaurant here, let alone succeed at it.”

Kai’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Thanks.”

I exhaled softly, relieved by shift in tones. As the conversation moved to food and business, I watched them both carefully. I had expected this meeting to be tense, awkward even. But instead, the two men mingled effortlessly, as though they had known each other for years.

Laura leaned toward me excitedly. “Hey, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“Do you need help with something?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Laura wore a deep purple A-line dress that hugged her figure perfectly, making her look sweet and effortlessly adorable. The soft fabric accentuated her sharp dimples, brightened her already sparkling eyes, and made her teeth gleam like pearls. A good dress could elevate beauty—and on Laura, it worked like magic.

“I was going to introduce you to my best friend, but she already left,” she said, a hint of disappointment lacing her voice.