Katniss's eyes flickered as she said, "Miss Astor, you should hit up Mr. Forbes about this."
Bella, clearly annoyed, shot back, "I did, and he played dumb. No way he doesn't know who that person is, even if Grandma Forbes set it up. Didn't he dig into it?"
Katniss shrugged. "Beats me. Since I joined, Mr. Forbes hasn't bothered to find out who his wife is. Maybe he had someone else do it, but I wouldn't know."
Bella looked floored, totally shocked that Tristan hadn't done any snooping!
"Maybe Mr. Forbes knows a divorce needs Mrs. Adelaide Forbes's sign-off," Katniss gently reminded her, hoping Bella wouldn't get any wild ideas about investigating Tristan's wife.
Bella nodded, "True, but if three of us convince Grandma Forbes, we might have a shot."
Katniss's smile was barely holding up.
"I'll handle this myself. No need to bother Tristan," Bella muttered.
The door to Tristan's office swung open, and Bella quickly approached Michael as he stepped out. "Michael, what did you do to Tristan?"
"Relax, we just had a chat." Michael's eyes were on Katniss even as he spoke to Bella.
"Katniss, Bella's gonna be around the office more often. Bear with her."
Katniss felt a shiver under his gaze but kept her professional smile. "Mr. Astor, no worries."
Michael patted Bella's shoulder. "I'll pick you up this afternoon. Lay low for a few days and don't go out alone with him," he advised.
Bella clung to Michael's arm, pouting, "Michael, pick me up after I have lunch with Tristan."
After Michael left, Bella headed back into Tristan's office.
Katniss was calmer than expected. Since Bella was set on investigating her, she needed to be ready.
After lunch, Bella left with Michael. Before leaving, she waved her phone at Katniss and said, "Catch you on Facebook later!"
Katniss smiled and nodded, then dove back into work.
The buzz about Tristan and Bella had been managed, but it still affected Synergy Global Corporation to some extent.
Katniss was swamped with emergencies. Tristan seemed his usual self, but every time he signed something and their eyes met, there was a spark. She tried to dodge his gaze and wrapped up her work quickly before heading out.
Near the end of the day, she got a text from Bella.
[Got a surprise for Tristan tonight at the D.V Club. Help me get him there!]
Tristan had no plans for the evening. As Katniss mulled over whether to help Bella, Bella sent her the room number.
[D.V Club, Room 520, 7 PM. Don't be late, please!]
Katniss sighed and reluctantly replied, [Okay.]
She got up and walked into the office, reminding him, "Mr. Forbes, there's a last-minute dinner you need to attend tonight."
Tristan didn't look up from his document. "If it's not crucial, cancel it."
"It's important," Katniss insisted.
Tristan closed the document. "Give me the details and get the car ready."
Katniss handed him the prepared document, turned, and left. She brought the car up from the underground garage just as Tristan came out of the company and got in.
Some sneaky reporters rushed over, but the car had already taken off, leaving them in the dust.
The D.V Club was smack dab in the middle of Velvet City, a swanky spot that screamed high status and big bucks.
Katniss had been there loads of times with Tristan, so she made a beeline for the fifth floor without needing any directions.
When the elevator doors slid open, Tristan strode out and stopped at Room 520.
Katniss quickly stepped up and opened the door. Inside, it was pitch black. Tristan took a few steps in and sensed something was off.
Before they could react, the room suddenly lit up with colorful lights, roses everywhere, and candles forming a circle. Bella, rocking a crimson dress, looked at Tristan with eyes full of love.
"Surprise!"
A bunch of people popped out, most of whom Katniss recognized as Tristan's and Bella's old classmates.
She stood there awkwardly until Tristan turned to look at her.
Katniss lowered her head, feeling the heat of his displeased gaze. She had definitely dropped the ball.
The lively vibe in the room started to freeze up thanks to Tristan's attitude, with everyone glancing between Bella and Tristan.
"Tristan, are you mad?" Bella asked, looking all pitiful as she stepped between Tristan and Katniss. "I begged Katniss to bring you here. I just wanted to surprise you."
Tristan stayed silent, still staring at Katniss. She had to speak up, "Mr. Forbes, it was my fault. I'll take any punishment."
"Tristan, I begged Katniss. Don't be like this, or how can I be friends with her in the future?" Bella pleaded, holding Tristan's hand.
Everyone watched Tristan, hanging on his every move.
He finally cracked a slight smile and said, "Just this once."
"Yeah, Bella busted her butt all afternoon setting this up for you. Come on over." Nicholas Kennedy, a classmate of Bella and Tristan for over a decade, chimed in, always the joker.
The group surrounded Tristan and Bella, admiring Bella's handiwork.
Katniss knew Tristan's smile was just to keep things cool. He was probably ticked off at her for making decisions on her own.
But she didn't want to tick off Bella either.
The room's vibe picked up. Bella went to catch up with old friends, and Nicholas plopped down next to Tristan.
"Tristan, your little assistant is pretty interesting," Nicholas said, glancing at Katniss.
Tristan looked up at Katniss, who was lost in thought. "Interesting?"
"Yeah, I never thought she'd listen to Bella and trick you here. Is your charm not working on her?" Nicholas knew about the weird dynamic between Tristan and Katniss.
But he had never spilled the beans.
Tristan squinted slightly. "Speak in plain language."
"She seems more into your money than you. Now that Bella's back, she's kinda useless to you. Why not pass her to me?" Nicholas said, patting Tristan's shoulder.
Tristan's eyes turned icy, making Nicholas backpedal. "Don't get mad. I was just kidding. I'm just curious why you're so into her."
Into her? Tristan leaned back on the sofa, holding a cigarette, his eyes reflecting Katniss's face.
She wore no makeup, yet her brows had this seductive charm. He had to admit she was a knockout in bed.
Katniss looked up and saw Tristan watching her. She immediately walked over and bent down to ask softly, "Mr. Forbes, what's up?"
Tristan lowered his gaze, his eyes sweeping over the skin at her neckline. "There will definitely be reporters blocking us later. We can't go to The Forbes Mansion or Serenity Estate. Let's head to your place."