Chapter 177
It was Yasmine.
Vespera hadn’t seen her in a while, and as always, Yasmine was a mix of sweet and stunning.
She waved from across the room. “Vera, over here!”
Her flirty, sugary–sweet voice instantly drew attention, and more than a few people turned to look.
Everyone here knew about the drama between Vespera and both the Munoz and Sowle families. These people were way more informed than the average internet gossip.
Sure, snagging the heir to the Tavian Group was impressive, and everyone in the room would’ve loved to pull it off.
If it hadn’t been for her fallout with both families, plenty of them probably we been
lining up to kiss up to her.
But now? They were scared of angering either the Munoz or the Sowles.
The best strategy was to stay out of it. Stay neutral.
That was the general consensus–they didn’t need Vespera to get close to Dominic. But if they were friendly with her in public? That was basically asking to be blacklisted by the Sowles.
Yasmine didn’t care what anyone else thought. After all, they were cowards.
She’d been through worse storms. In her world, there were only two kinds of people–those. she liked and those she didn’t.
“Yaz!” Vespera greeted her warmly.
She leaned over to Dominic and said she was going to say hi, then walked off toward Yasmine.
The moment she stepped away, people started inching closer, eager to approach Dominic. It was rare to see him out, at a public event, so this was a golden opportunity.
But then, to everyone’s surprise, Dominic took a few steps and followed after her. “What’s the rush?”
Vespera blinked innocently. What rush? She was just going to chat with a friend.
Then Dominic added, “Do I come off like some bass you’re ashamed to be seen with?”
Vespera went quiet.
She wanted to scream. They were in public, so could Dominic not say terrifying stuff like that out loud? People were gonna think she had cast a love spell on him or something.
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A few people nearby caught part of what he said and someone was so shocked they dropped. their drink.
“See? Boom. Casualty,” Vespera thought.
Yasmine’s eyes went wide. Dominic was following Vespera. She thought that her friend was incredible. No one was doing it like her. None at all!
Vespera had walked in feeling confident and composed, but thanks to Dominic, the whole thing suddenly felt like they were about to meet each other’s parents or something. It was awkward for no reason.
She made her way over to Yasmine.
“Mr. Reid,” Yasmine greeted Dominic brightly.
Dominic nodded and chatted with her for a moment, making small talk.
While they talked, Vespera took the chance to grab two drinks and handed one to Dominic.
Just then, Alban approached. The two powerhouses barely exchanged a few words before he invited Dominic to head inside.
Before leaving, Dominic turned to Yasmine. “Look after Ms. Gildon for me.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take excellent care of her,” Yasmine beamed. She was acting like a matchmaker.
Dominic turned and walked away.
Vespera could feel all the eyes around her. She felt like she was some sort of a monster at an exhibition. Why else would people be staring at her like they were scared for their lives?
Yasmine quickly looped her arm through Vespera’s, looking proud. “Vera, how did you turn a side path into a full–blown golf course? It’s so wide I could drive a cart through it.”
“Let’s talk outside,” Vespera muttered.
“Sure!” Yasmine chirped.
The two of them strolled out onto the terrace.
Off in the distance, Vespera spotted two mutual friends she and Luke used to hang out with. They raised their glasses and gave her a polite smile but didn’t come over.
“They’re already being nicer than expected,” Yasmine said, giving her hand a light pat.
“If it weren’t for Dominic, do you think the Munoz and Sowle families would treat you like an equal? They wouldn’t even fake it, maybe a wave if you’re lucky. Most would act like you were invisible.”
That was true. If it weren’t for Dominic, they probably wouldn’t even spare a smile. Acting like
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she didn’t exist would’ve been them being kind.
“I’m riding his coattails,” Vespera said with a small smile.
“These people are sharp, they’re not evil, just calculating. Can’t even blame them. Who knows how many eyes from the Munoz and Sowle sides are lurking around tonight?” Yasmine said.
“Look… there’s one.” She gestured with her chinoward a woman in a purple top standing not
too far off.
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