Chapter 18
Chapter 18
The Meridian Group party was held at the top of a gleaming Manhattan skyscraper, the kind of event where champagne flowed like water and everyone had a title that sounded important.[]
Addie wore a black cocktail dress Tristan had insisted she buy-“Something that says we belong here,” he’d explained–and plastered on the smile she’d perfected over months of these gatherings.[]
“And this is my girlfriend, Adeline Paige,” Tristan introduced her to a silver–haired man whose handshake lingered too long. “She’s brilliant–graduated top of her class from King’s College London.“]
The man’s eyes lit up with interest, but not the professional kind. “London, how exotic. And what do you do now, sweetheart?”
Before she could answer, Tristan jumped in. “She’s between projects at the moment. Focusing on supporting my career transition.“]
Heat flooded Addie’s cheeks. Between projects? She had been actively job hunting for months, but every position she’d been offered, Tristan had found reasons to discourage.]
“The hours would conflict with my schedule,” or “The salary isn’t worth the stress,” or “Do we really need the extra income right now?”
As the evening wore on, she found herself drifting away from Tristan’s circle, seeking refuge on the terrace overlooking the city lights.
“Not enjoying yourself?”
She turned to find a woman about her age, striking in the way that money and confidence could make anyone beautiful.[]
“I’ın Evelyn Grantham,” the woman extended a manicured hand. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
“Adeline Paige.” Something about the name Grantham seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place it.[]
“Ah, you’re with Tristan Kelce. I’ve heard so much about him.” Evelyn’s smile was perfectly polite, but her eyes held a calculating gleam. “He’s making quite the impression in our circles.“]
“Your circles?“]]
“Old money, new money, the kind of money that opens doors.” Evelyn leaned against the railing, her posture casual but her attention focused. “Tell me, what’s it like dating someone so… ambitious?“]
There was something in her tone that made Addie’s skin prickle. “He’s driven, if that’s what you mean.‘
“Oh, I meant it as a compliment. Ambitious men are so much more interesting than the trust fund babies I usually meet. They’re hungrier. More willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want.“]
The conversation felt like a test, though Addie couldn’t understand what she was being tested for.]
“Excuse me,” she said, suddenly needing to get away. “I should find Tristan.”
But when she went back inside, she found him deep in conversation with a group of men, their voices low and urgent. As she
Chapter 18
approached, she caught fragments:[]
“…the Grantham deal…” ]]
“…family connections…” []
“…worth the investment…“[]
Tristan saw her coming and quickly changed the subject to something innocuous about market trends. But she’d seen the way his expression had shifted, the way he’d glanced toward the terrace where she’d been talking to Evelyn.[]
“Ready to go?” she asked.]
“In a bit. I’m in the middle of something important.“]]
Another hour passed before they finally left, and during the cab ride home, Tristan was unusually quiet.]
“That woman I met–Evelyn Grantham–she seemed to know you.“[]
“Everyone knows everyone in this business,” he replied without looking at her. “Why?“]
“Just curious. She had some interesting things to say about ambitious men.“[]
Now he did look at her, his expression sharp. “What kind of things?“[]
“Nothing specific. Just… observations.“]
Tristan turned back to the window, but she could see his reflection studying her face.[]
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.