Chapter 25
VENUS
“You shouldn’t have done that.” That was the first thing he said.
“What?”
B 35 vouchers
“I mean… you weren’t under any obligation to bring me the file and laptop. But you did. I had the situation under control, but they helped. So… thank you.”
Wow. So the Aaron Sinclair could be appreciative? Who knew.
“It was no problem, really. I just knew you never walk into a meeting without that particular laptop, so…” I shrugged. “It’s fine.”
That was the exact moment Connor chose to make his entrance.
“And Venus saves the day.” He flashed a dazzling smile.
Connor was good–looking in a disarming kind of way–the kind that made you forget your train of thought. He was the approachable one between them, but don’t let that fool you. He’s just as ruthless when he wants to be. Nobody gets crowned one of New York’s top lawyers by being average.
“Good evening, Connor,” I said, smiling.
“Oh, how I’ve missed you, Venus. None of the new hires are half as fun as you were.”
Connor and I had gotten along just fine during my time at Sinclair Tech. He talked as much as he flirted. Harmlessly, of course.
“Well, I’m not better off either. I’ve been bored out of my mind,” I chuckled.
His phone rang, saving us from further nostalgia. He checked the screen, then gave me a wink,
“I’ll take my leave. It was nice seeing you again.”
“You too.”
“And heads up,” he said to Aaron, “Richard and Caroline are in the lobby. Great work today.” Then he disappeared down the hall.
Aaron gave a small nod in acknowledgment. His tie was gone, his sleeves rolled up, and he looked… exhausted.
“You must be starving. I kept you waiting,” he said. “Wanna grab dinner before we head to the penthouse?”
“Sure.
He slung his suit jacket over his shoulder and casually wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked out.
We’re in public, Venus. It’s just for show.
Sure. But his warmth still managed to seep through my skin. It blanketed me, curled into my bones.
When we reached the lobby, Mr. Sinclair Sr. and a woman–Caroline, presumably–stood up the moment they spotted us. Aaron’s grip around my waist tightened like a silent declaration.
“Son, you did a good job today. I’m proud, Richard said. Not even a glance in my direction. Charming.
He patted Aaron on the shoulder, which Aaron didn’t even acknowledge. The tension between them wasn’t just awkward–it was suffocating I wondered what caused the bad blood.
“Yeah, it was fine,” came the icy drawl from the blonde beside him. Caroline. She looked stunning in that surgically–perfect kind of way -like her beauty came with a payment plan and a celebrity plastic surgeon.
“And who might this be, dear?” she asked, looking me over with a sugary smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Aaron responded like he was being forced to do math without coffee.
“Caroline, this is Venus. Venus, Caroline Sinclair. Richard’s wife.”
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Chapter 25
Two things:
One–he didn’t mention I was his fiancée.
Two–he didn’t call her his stepmother. Just Richard’s wife.
“Venus,” she repeated, like she was trying the name on for size. “What a lovely name.”
Her voice practically dripped with condescension.
“It’s nice to meet you, Caroline.” I smiled politely.
She opened her mouth to say something else, but Aaron cut her off.
“If you don’t mind, we were just about to head home. We’re exhausted. Right, babe?”
Babe? Oh. So now he’s leaving breadcrumbs and letting them connect the dots.
“Yeah.” I replied, forcing a tight smile.
“Aaron, it’s rude to interrupt someone while they’re speaking. Apologize to your mother,” Richard snapped.
Mother? Right. Caroline didn’t even blink at that.
Aaron’s grip on my waist went steel–tight for a moment… then loosened. His hand stayed there, though.
And just like that, the air grew thick with tension.
Well. This was awkward.
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