“Selene, I want to ask you something-”
Mr. Vale cut in smoothly. “No need. Selene’s already handed in her resignation. Son, you’d better focus on securing that Northern deal.”
Adrian’s brows lifted, his surprise flickering across his face. Maybe he thought I’d cling a little-fight for him, or at the very least, the casino I’d built with my own hands.
But I had let go of the title Mrs. Vale. And now, I was letting go of the Vale itself.
Elara leaned forward, her smile all sugary grace and carefully timed innocence. “I… We appreciate your… compromise. There’s no need to resign from everything. Even if you’re not Mrs. Vale, we’re still family, aren’t we? We grew up together. Adrian and I can treat you like a little sister.”
So sweet. So generous.
I returned her smile, just as polished. “Nonsense. My last name never was, and never will be, Vale. I’m not qualified to be part of the family business anymore. But…”
Adrian’s gaze sharpened. “But what?”
I met his eyes evenly. “But the Northerners aren’t like us. They’re blunt. Brutal. If you’re planning to play clever games or skim
a little extra on the side, don’t. They don’t take kindly to being lied to.”
His jaw locked. “Are you implying I’d steal like some backroom rat?”
“No,” I replied calmly. “I’m giving you a warning. Don’t lie to them. Don’t get clever. That’s all.”
Then I turned to Mr. Vale and offered a polite nod. “I’m finished here. Thank you for everything. I’ll be leaving now.”
I had just turned to go when Elara’s voice stopped me again.
“Selene-will you come to our engagement party at least?” Her tone was soft, hopeful. “You were my closest friend all these years. I want you there.”
I paused, then nodded once.
Fine. Let that party be the ending-clean, final-for everything I had once hoped for.
Adrian and Elara’s engagement party was held at the Grand Hyoo, the most opulent hotel in New York City. When I arrived, the ballroom was already overflowing-politicians, mafia leaders, old-money billionaires. Nearly a thousand people had gathered
under its crystal chandeliers.
It was extravagant. Overwhelming.
Compared to the small, private dinner I once had with Adrian-a quiet, ten-person affair that barely felt real-this was a
coronation.
