Chapter 75
Chapter 75
VENUS
The meeting was winding down. Numbers, charts, projections, noise. But no one was really listening. Not after that opening. Not with the cold war playing out at opposite ends of the table.
Aaron called the final figures, his voice sharp and unyielding, before closing the laptop with a soft snap. Chairs scraped. Papers shuffled. Everyone stood.
But I barely took a step before-
“Venus p>
Caroline.
Her voice was low, laced with silk and steel. She offered me a smile that looked painted on with a dagger.
“I just wanted to say…” she trailed off, stepping closer, voice dropping low enough that no one else could hear, “you’ve come a long way. Aaron must see something in you p>
I blinked. “Thank you p>
She smiled wider, all porcelain and poison. “You’ve done well for someone raised outside these circles. But don’t confuse access with acceptance. This world has sharp teeth, and I’d hate to see you bleed p>
My stomach twisted.
Her gaze flicked over me not lasciviously, but like she was scanning a chessboard. Calculating which piece I was. Then she leaned in, her breath brushing my ear.
“All in due time, I suppose. Leave while you can, or take the spinal-breaking fall with him. Your choice. But know this- something is coming p>
I felt the frost in her voice. Sharp. Certain.
I didn’t reply. Couldn’t. My throat had gone tight.
Then I caught movement behind her.
Aaron.
He’d stopped mid-conversation. His gaze locked on us. Still. Focused.
Caroline stepped back just as smoothly as she’d slithered in, her voice suddenly chipper again.
“Well. Lovely seeing you, dear p>
Then she walked off like she hadn’t just dropped a threat laced in ice into my bloodstream.
I stood frozen. Processing. Burning.
Later that evening, I met Gianna at a tucked-away Italian restaurant, dim lighting and overpriced wine wrapping the space in warm shadows. We made it a habit-monthly dinners. Sabine was running late, caught up at the boutique.
Gianna was already seated when I arrived, glass of rosé in hand, eyes narrowing the second I slid into the booth.
“There’s something different about you,” she said, dragging the words out.
I raised a brow. “Like what p>
She tilted her head. “You look… wrecked. In a good way. Like someone finally made your toes curl p>
I blushed, looking down at the menu. “We had sex p>
Gianna’s grin was immediate and wicked. “You and Aaron p>
I nodded, heat blooming across my face.
“Oh my God, I need details. Was it intense? Gentle? Did he pick you up and-
“Gianna,” I groaned, laughing. “It was… a lot p>
She leaned in, eyes sparkling. “Good. You needed it. But don’t catch feelings, Vee. That man is fire. And fire doesn’t cuddle p>
I bit my lip. I knew she was right.
But it was already too late.
“I’m not catching feelings,” I lied.
1/3
Chapter 75
Before she could reply, a figure approached our table.
Andrea.
Her eyes found mine immediately, like she’d been tracking me. Maybe she had.
Of all people.
“Well, well,” she sneered. “If it isn’t the charity case p>
Gianna tensed. I straightened.
Andrea’s gaze burned. “Enjoying your little rise, are you? Playing dress-up with Aaron Sinclair? Cute. But don’t get comfortable, sweetheart. He always comes back to me. You? You’re just a phase. A nobody from the slums p>
My fingers curled around my glass.
“And when he gets bored-and he will-you’ll be right back where you started. Nothing p>
Before I could respond, another voice sliced through her venom.
“Piss off p>
Sabine.
She strode in like a storm, heels clicking against tile. “Aaron is with Venus now. Get over it p>
Andrea blinked, thrown off by the force of her presence.
Then Gerald appeared behind her, placing a firm but calm hand on her arm.
“Come on, Andrea p>
She glared at him but didn’t resist. As they turned to leave, Gerald gave me a look-brief, sincere.
“I’m sorry, Venus,” he said softly.
And then they were gone.
Gianna exhaled. “Drama p>
Sabine slid into Andrea’s now-vacant seat. “I hate her voice. Like a dying cat p>
I laughed, unable to help it.
“Anyway,” Sabine said, stealing a sip of Gianna’s drink, “you know Gerald p>
“Yeah. I met him at that charity event… and when Aaron and I were in Rome.” I frowned, recalling the strange moment I’d brushed off. I told them about Rome.
“He gives me the creeps,” Sabine muttered. “Him and his sister? Psycho twins p>
“I think he’s nice. Total opposite of Andrea p>
Sabine shook her head. “Be careful, Vee. He hides too well p>
I nodded, but the curiosity lingered.
Then Sabine smiled. “Connor and I are serious now. We’re telling Aaron soon p>
Gianna squealed. I blinked. “Wait. Serious-serious p>
Sabine nodded, glowing. “Yeah. I’m just not sure how Aaron’s going to take it p>
“He’ll take it well. I know it p>
“I hope so.” She exhaled, then smirked. “I’ve got tea p>
“Spill,” Gianna grinned.
“We’re going to London p>
“We as in… us?” Gianna’s brows shot up.
I blinked. “We’re going to London p>
“Yes, we,” Sabine confirmed, practically glowing now. “My team’s moving into global positioning. London’s the test run- press previews, private fittings, curated runway reveals. I want you both there p>
Gianna’s eyes widened. “Like, full-blown fashion chaos? Espresso shots and models who eat cotton balls p>
Sabine chuckled and nodded. “Exactly p>
“I’m so taking leave,” Gianna said. “I just hope your boyfriend approves.” She shot me a look. “Connor’s still my boss, you know p>
2/3
three weeks’ Sabine cut in methly “And it’s all sorted they both agreed. Aaron’s sponsoring the trip
heady reality is the best in belt have hirather
And for a second everything Belt Burk
Engineering and something brewing beneath it
Something Caroline warmed me about
Something
And condorides would be those
The in
B
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.