Chapter 26
Gideon and Josephine glided onto the dance floor, melting into each other's embrace.
Lorelei lowered her head, fingers nearly snapping her champagne flute stem. God, they were insufferable to watch.
"Care to dance?"
She looked up to find a face just as handsome as Gideon's staring down at her. "Mr. Getty..."
Cedric regarded her coolly.
Lorelei's heart raced—not from attraction (she wouldn't dare harbor thoughts about Cedric)—but from excitement. Getting closer to Cedric could smooth her path to marrying Gideon someday.
Once on the dance floor, she sensed something off. Cedric seemed deliberately distant. If he was so reluctant to be near her, why ask her to dance at all?
In the dim lighting, Josephine kept her eyes fixed on their feet, never meeting Gideon's gaze. He, however, couldn't look away from her. "Jojo, how long has it been since we danced like this?"
About six months, he realized with a sudden pang of guilt.
"Jojo, I'll spend more time with you from now on," he said tenderly, only to notice her staring distractedly across the room—at Cedric and Lorelei.
How did those two end up together?
Without warning, the couples drifted closer.
"Mind if we switch partners?" Before anyone could react, Cedric spun Lorelei toward Gideon, who instinctively reached to steady her.
Six months had been enough to form habits—like automatically supporting Lorelei when she was close. With her in his arms, his eyes immediately sought Josephine, catching only two silhouettes fading into the crowd.
He moved to follow them.
"My stomach feels a little off. Could you help me?" Lorelei clutched his arm.
Gideon's face darkened to stone. Despite the warm, soft woman in his arms, his gaze remained fixed on the direction Cedric and Josephine had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Josephine swayed slowly in Cedric's embrace. "I had no idea you knew how to dance."
His hand rested lightly on her waist. "Is it a crime to try something new occasionally?"
"Not at all." He was her future boss—she wouldn't dare object. But still... "You've always kept women at arm's length, yet today you actively invited Ms. Kelly. You must approve of her."
If he truly had feelings for Lorelei, she might need to reconsider their future partnership. She wasn't about to fall into the same trap twice.
Cedric gave her a sidelong glance. "Don't insult me."
"What?"
"My taste isn't that poor."
Josephine glimpsed his sharp jawline. "What are you implying? That my taste is poor?"
"You misunderstand," he said. She turned away slightly as he continued, "It's not just poor. It's abysmal."
She nearly stumbled, almost crushing his foot. Cedric had never approved of Gideon and had said similar things before. Back then, she'd always leapt to Gideon's defense. This time, after a beat of silence, she whispered, "Everyone misjudges someone at some point."
When the dance ended, they stepped apart. Gideon rushed over, pulling Josephine into his arms, his hand possessively circling her slender waist.
"Thanks for looking after my wife, Cedric."
Cedric's gaze swept over Gideon's hand before he turned and left without a word.
"Arrogant jerk," Gideon muttered.
Josephine pushed his hand away. "I'm going to get something to eat."
Gideon started to follow but was intercepted by his cousin.
"Come on," his cousin teased, "Josephine's gone already. Stop the puppy-dog eyes."
Gideon shot him a look. "You don't know anything."
"You're right, I don't. You've been married for years and still act like lovesick teenagers. You love her so much that if you ever got divorced, you'd completely lose it."
"We're not getting divorced." Gideon's jaw tightened at the mere mention.
"Fine, fine, I'll drop it." His cousin glanced discreetly at Lorelei and lowered his voice. "Gideon, some situations need to be handled cleanly. Knowing Josephine, she hates deception. If she discovers anything..." He let the warning hang in the air.
Gideon's grip on his glass tightened as he took a deliberate sip. "She won't."
---
Josephine was savoring a small cake, her guilty pleasure whenever she visited Getty Manor. The chef from the five-star hotel made them perfectly—sweet but not cloying.
"Mrs. Getty, you certainly have a good appetite."
Josephine turned to see Lorelei but couldn't be bothered to respond.
"I can't eat these lately," Lorelei continued with a polite smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Even the smell makes me nauseous. The doctor says it's morning sickness—quite the experience. You'll probably never have this opportunity in your life. But don't worry, Mr. Getty still has some feelings for you. He won't actually divorce you."
What good was staying married when Lorelei and her child would be a permanent thorn between them? Remove it—bloodshed. Leave it—endless torment.
Seeing Lorelei's smug expression, Josephine lifted her glass and threw its contents right in her face!
Lorelei could barely open her eyes through the wine, yet satisfaction spread across her features.
"Mrs. Getty, how could you—"
"I'm so sorry," Josephine cut her off, reaching out with an iron grip. Lorelei tried to dramatically collapse, but Josephine held her too firmly.
"My hand slipped. I warned you to step back, but you just stood there." Under everyone's watchful eyes, Josephine dabbed wine from Lorelei's face with a napkin. "Look at that, your makeup's ruined. I'm truly sorry."
Lorelei's hands trembled with barely contained rage.
Gideon approached. "What happened?"
"I was tasting my wine when Ms. Kelly suddenly appeared," Josephine explained, eyes downcast. "I was careless and spilled it everywhere..."
Gideon's gaze swept over Lorelei. "Go upstairs and change."
Swallowing her anger, Lorelei headed toward the stairs. At the landing, she glanced back to see Gideon speaking quietly to Josephine, bending down indulgently, showing unprecedented patience—completely different from how he acted with her.
They had spent countless passionate nights together, but Gideon only ever showed lust and roughness with her, never tenderness.
Lorelei entered the bedroom, Briana following close behind.
"Come on, it was just a glass of wine," Briana soothed. "That Josephine never lets anyone get the upper hand. She's clearly jealous that I brought you here."
Lorelei turned, a perfect tear sliding down her cheek. "I'm fine. I know she didn't mean it."
Briana looked at her sympathetically and pulled out a bracelet. "This is a Getty family heirloom. Gideon's father gave it to me, and now I'm giving it to you. Stay with Gideon, and he'll take care of you."
Lorelei finally smiled. The bracelet was expensive and beautiful, but looking at it sparked something else—a flash of inspiration.
"This bracelet must be quite important, right?" she asked carefully.
If it were to get damaged...