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I can’t recall the last time I’ve been this eager to attend a social event.
Corporate events are more my niche, a chance to mingle with prestige clients in luxurious venues with overpriced champagne and caviar served to the masses. More often than not, invitations to expensive yachts, or even private chateaus, are offered to educate me on Europe’s finest markets. A hard offer to refuse unless, of course, a string is attached like some arrogant billionaire looking for a quick fuck.
I never mix business with pleasure. It’s a cardinal rule of mine. Being a female in a dominant male industry pushes me to set boundaries. I may be single, but that doesn’t give men the right to proposition me, especially when business is involved.
And European men are a different species to the Americans. They are very forthcoming with their intentions and quick to admire beauty when they see it. I’m not immune to the accents either though, during my time spent here, I’ve managed not to allow it to sway me into compromising positions.
Tonight, I plan to simply unwind and enjoy the festivities. It has been on my bucket list to attend the Grand Masquerade Ball in Versailles for as long as I can remember, but I promised Charlie years ago I’d do it with her since she absolutely loves Marie Antoinette. Between having babies and her busy workload, this is the first opportunity for her to get away for a few days without the girls.
Lex has chosen for them to stay at the Four Seasons, the penthouse suite with a view of the Eiffel Tower from the terrace. It isn’t the first time I’ve been privy to see this suite, having seen it many years ago when I worked as Lex’s executive assistant. Since money has never been an issue, Lex only chooses to stay at the finest of hotels across the world.
Inside the lavish space, a hairstylist and makeup artist are fussing over the two of us as we both sit in chairs positioned in front of a large mirror.
“I still can’t believe Lex agreed to attend,” I mention while trying to keep my eyes closed as eye shadow is applied. “And to wear a costume.”
“And not just any costume.” Charlie giggles, apologizing momentarily as the stylist almost drops the brush. “I had to compromise. His costume is all black with minimal ruffle. Adriana made sure it stayed true to the eighteenth century, but you really should’ve been there for the fitting. I don’t think I have laughed that hard ever. Almost peed my pants and Noa—”
I open my eyes, waiting for Charlie to continue before she clears her throat.
“So anyway… Eric is dying of jealousy. Be grateful he has his parents’ wedding anniversary dinner to attend to in Manhattan, or he’d be here dressed as some desperate gay prince looking to score with a wealthy king.”
My mind questions why Eric was summoned to attend his parents’ soiree since Dominic won’t be in attendance. I try to ignore the countless questions running through my mind and rid myself of thinking anymore about Dominic. Considering our agreement was simple, it’s taken a complicated turn and created more stress than necessary.
Just breathe and forget he exists, if only for tonight.
“So, I’m thinking,” Charlie concludes with an impish grin. “We take fabulous pictures and post them on Insta. Eric will be foaming at the mouth, which serves him right.”
“Poor lil’ bugger.” I frown, holding back my laugh.
“Oh, so your British slang is back?” Laughter escapes Charlie as I throw a macadamia nut at her from the bowl in front of me. “Besides, it’s payback for him dragging me to the most boring art exhibition last week. He claimed he wanted to spruce up his condo with some new art but turns out an ex-lover of his married the artist. The annoying pest just wanted me to rate who would’ve made a better husband. Him or the upcoming artist.”
“You know, I welcome the distance from Eric at times. Aside from Miss Drama Queen, how is everyone else?”
“Good, I guess. Adriana is busy with Andy and Luna along with her fashion line and all their charity work,” Charlotte informs with a gleam in her expression. “They just returned from the Philippines.”
“Holiday?”
“Not exactly. Julian is writing a new book and needed to do some research. While they were there, they visited some orphanages and, well, you know them. They’ve spoken to Andrew and scheduled another visit in a few months.”
“Oh,” I say out loud. “Expanding the family again?”
“No, at least, I don’t think so. Just trying to do their part and help those in need.” Charlie takes a sip of champagne before continuing, “I wouldn’t put it past them, though. Julian is great with Andy and Luna. Adriana has dropped hints a few times, so you never know.”
“And things with Lex and Julian?” I ask with a knowing smirk. “Still okay?”
“As okay as it can be.” Charlie snorts behind her glass. “They’re civil to each other. They can be in the same room and have a healthy discussion on foreign affairs, but I won’t exactly call it perfect. For instance, I went over to visit Adriana for coffee, and she was running late. Naturally, I sat with Julian and talked while we waited. Let’s just say that my dear husband wasn’t so pleased.”
“Wait, by any chance, was this about a week or so ago?”
“How did you know?” Charlie raises her brow. “Did he tell you?”
“No, but we had a challenging video meeting with a client. Lex was pushed hard, and you know him, question his ethics, and he’ll lose his cool. It put him in a foul mood all day. I’m just saying it may not have been entirely your fault.”
“Explains the outburst,” Charlie drags, less than pleased. “Honestly, I still don’t know how you work with him. The man can be so—”
The sound of Lex clearing his throat prompts Charlie to stop talking. Keeping my smile hidden, I wait with anticipation for the argument to unfold. Standing against the door frame, Lex folds his arms, deliberately raising his brow with a smirk playing on his lips. He’s dressed casually for once—a pair of dark jeans and a light blue polo shirt.
I’ve been caught in the crossfire during many of their arguments, including the infamous fight in the restaurant when I first discovered Charlie was the woman Lex had been hopelessly in love with. Over time, it no longer bothered me. Just like when two of your siblings are fighting, and you’re in the corner with a tub of popcorn, glad it isn’t you for once.
