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“Edwards has agreed, if you do,” Harry reveals, cautiously, knowing this is not the news I want to hear.
My pride is in the way, and under different circumstances, I would have fought this battle until I won. But as I look over at the woman beside me, the reason I breathe, the fight is well over. My energy is pulled toward her, and reluctantly…I call defeat.
“Fine.”
“Fine?” Harry repeats, stunned. “Wait a minute, have I missed something? I thought you want nothing to do with Edwards?”
“Things change.” I lower my voice while hanging my head. “Tell him I’ll sign tomorrow.”
I hang up the phone, but my mood is less than eager to attend a god damn ball after this outcome. The only reason why I’m invited to events such as this is because of the rather hefty donation. The event itself is just people climbing up my ass wanting money for their charities or to invest in their companies.
We arrive at the ball later than the other guests though some are still arriving. The street is still crowded, lined with limousines and luxury vehicles. Flashes are going off right, left, and center. The paparazzi are scurrying around, trying to snap something exciting. I exit the car first, reaching out for Amelia’s hand while trying to avoid anyone photographing us. The last thing we need is for our personal lives to be splashed online.
The grand ballroom is enormous. Its size big enough to hold all of the elite in New York City and then some. The tall ceilings are covered in rows of draped sheer organza fabric, but my attention is directed to the large chandelier hanging from the middle. Its crystals are reflecting light which shimmers on the dance floor.
There’s a band wearing black and white tuxedos, perfectly positioned on the stage playing soft swing music, their hums and beats drowning in the noise of the growing crowd.
We are shown to our seats, which, fortunately—is seated beside a relatively affluent couple. After a few introductions, it turns out Amelia had met them through her parents. They got to talking while I was pulled away to talk business, of course, until a seven-course meal was served.
I expected Amelia to stay by my side throughout the night, but she knew more people than she cared to admit. This is Lex’s circle, older gentlemen and women who were tied to him somehow. It began to bother me since I invited her here as my date even though I’d barely spent any time with her. When she managed to break free and find me at the bar, I’d already finished four bourbons and just ordered my fifth.
“How do you know these people?” I question, trying not to sound irritated.
“Unfortunately, I’m Lex Edwards’ daughter. Some lady, Carol, gave me a jewelry box when I was like six. Considering I hated wearing anything feminine, I have no recollection.”
I chuckle softly, feeling like an idiot for my behavior. “What did you say?”
“I said it was a lovely gesture, and I still have it back at my parent's place.”
“Do you?”
Amelia’s lips press into a hard line. “Sure, in the attic, if you search under Ava’s childhood memories.”
We both laugh until another couple walks past us. They recognize Amelia, once again, then drag her to their table to say hello to their own daughter, who apparently Amelia used to play with as a kid. As they walk off, Amelia turns around and shrugs her shoulders, having no recollection of any of these people.
My bourbon is served when Easton Parker Jnr, a well-known club owner, stands beside me. This guy is a fucking joke, funding his clubs on his parent’s money with his sole purpose to bring young women upstairs to his office so they can suck on his dick. At one point, he boasted about several of them waiting in line.
He is younger than me, maybe just shy of thirty. We went to the same school, and he earned himself a reputation. When it came to women, he is cunning in his pursuit. However, as an entrepreneur, the guy had no idea how to run a business.
“Romano,” he greets while extending his hand. “Long time no see.”
I reluctantly extend my hand to shake this. “It’s been a while.”
“Did you see Edward's daughter is here? It’s made my night all the more interesting. Wasn’t sure who I would try to fuck but ding ding ding.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“C’mon, Romano. Who can resist a sweet pussy like that? I bet she gives great head.”
My hands clutch into a fist; anger roaring through me like a vicious wave ready to crash on the shore.
“If you ever speak that way of her again, I swear to God I will end your fucking life,” I grit, ready to smack his face.
“Hey, what’s your problem?” The fucker laughs. “Oh, look, she must have sensed it. She’s walking over here.”
Amelia places her hand on my arm, instantly noticing my tensed muscles where her eyes fall upon. “Is everything okay?”
Parker extends his hand. “I haven’t introduced myself, Easton Parker, Jr. I’ve met your father before.”
