Chapter 220 Chapter 220

Chapter 220 Chapter 220
Violet

Dane's face lit up with hope and gratitude. 

"Nothing difficult. I need you to pass on valuable information to me of important project details, contract negotiations, and strategic plans. Basically, all the things you'd have access to as Director of Design. I'm not asking you to do anything illegal or dangerous. Just... keep me informed. Level the playing field so he can't blindside us again."

It sounded reasonable when he put it that way. It sounded almost noble, like I'd be protecting people rather than betraying anyone.

But the knot in my stomach suggested otherwise.

"I need to think about it," I said finally, pulling my hand back.

"Of course." Dane didn't push, just smiled and raised his wine glass. "Take all the time you need. For now, let's just enjoy this meal. You've earned a celebration after everything you've been through."

The rest of dinner passed in a blur. 

Dane was charming and attentive, keeping the conversation light and pleasant. The food was exquisite, each course more impressive than the last. The wine flowed freely, expensive vintages that I barely tasted.

And through it all, I felt numb and disconnected like I was watching myself from outside my body, playing a role in someone else's story.

When the meal finally ended, Dane stood and came around to my chair, helping me up.

“I am sorry if this was too sudden.” Dane whispered, his face hanging a little.

“But seeing my grandfather on a hospital bed and then learning what Elijah did to you, to my company brought back some very hurtful memories. I want him to get a taste of his own medicine for once.”

I gave him an understanding look.

“I get it”

He relaxed immediately.

“Thank you so much for not misunderstanding me. You know, all these days I’d been worried about if I was going to lose my grandfather, if Elijah’s ego and cruelty was going to cost me a dear person of my life.”

He took a pause, slowly reaching for my hand.

“But after speaking to you, I feel better. I feel I can go back to grandpa and tell him that I would ensure nobody gave him a heart attack again. And that is only because of you.”

“I…” I fumbled for words yet again, trying not to look like he had asked me to harm myself.

“Enough of boring business talk. Would you believe me if I told you that this was the best day of my life?" he asked softly, his hand still holding mine. 

"Thank you for giving me a chance, Violet. For trusting me."

Before I could respond, he leaned in further, stepping closer to me. 

I felt his hot breath mixed with alcohol on my chin.

“Dane, maybe we should…” I said, pulling back at the last second, his lips landing on the corner of my jaw.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly, stepping back. "I'm just... I'm not ready for that."

Dane's expression flickered with disappointment before smoothing into understanding. 

“Of course. I got carried away in my happiness. I thought I’d lost you, I thought he had snatched you away from me. Forgive me."

He took my hand again, bringing it to his lips for another chaste kiss to my knuckles. 

"I am sure I sound like a broken record to you but please will you stay with me through this," he said, his eyes earnest and pleading. "Help me stop him from hurting more people and avenge our failed business. Without you, it will be a nightmare to keep up with customer expectations and I will be spending the next few weeks praying to the Goddess to gift me a talented designer like you and interviewing dozens of candidates.”

He took a deep breath and continued. “Grandpa was the one to have spotted you, to have seen the spark in you but now I am supposed to do it all by myself. Your abrupt resignation has left a huge void for me to fill. I don’t even know where to begin, how to…." he trailed off and I truly felt sorry for him.

“Relax Dane, you got this.”

He let out a breath and smiled. “What would I even do without you?”

And I hated how he looked at me with so much hope, that I was the answer to all his problems.

"I'll think about it," I repeated, because I didn't know what else to say.

"That's all I ask." He smiled, radiant and grateful but somehow I was reminded of another man saying those exact words to me.

My brain was completely befuddled. Because why else was I feeling guilty of destroying a man who had walked all over me? It made no sense.

"Can I drive you home?"

"No, I can manage. But thank you."

"Then I'll walk you to your car." He motioned for me to lead the way and I nodded, grabbing my stuff.

I let him escort me outside, let him open my car door and make sure I was safely inside before stepping back.

"This really was the best night of my life," he said again, his hand resting on the door frame. "With the best girl I've ever known and hopefully I will get to have many more dinners together with.”

I gave him an awkward smile. “I had a good time too”

He bowed, his smile spreading from one ear to another.

“Drive safe, Violet."

Then he closed the door and stepped back, waving as I pulled out of the parking spot.

I drove home on autopilot, my mind a mess of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The city lights blurred past, traffic moving around me like water around a stone.

When I finally pulled into my pack’s driveway, I sat in the darkened car for several minutes, trying to make sense of everything that had happened.

Mom was waiting when I walked inside, her face lighting up the moment she saw me.

"How was dinner?" she asked excitedly. "Was it a date?"

"Just a casual dinner with Dane, he wanted to give me a treat for the gala’s success" I said, setting my purse down.

"Oh!" Mom's eyes went wide. “I hope he was nice to you.”

"Yeah, he's nice," I said noncommittally.

"And?" Mom prompted, clearly fishing for more details. "Did he ask you out? Is there potential there?"

"Mom, I just got out of a complicated situation. I'm not really looking to jump into anything new."

This was the first time I had openly accepted that I had been with someone and that someone had left me broken.

But Mom wasn't deterred. "Sometimes the best way to get over someone is to give someone else a chance. And from what you've told me about Dane, he sounds like a good man. Successful, kind, interested in you..."

"Mom!!" I groaned.