he’s the uncle Eden was talking about, Vespera thought
she suddenly remembered how, just minutes ago, she’d been on the phone with Rebecca, complaining about his “vicious wife. The realization made her suck in a quiet breath.
She tumed back around and greeted Theodore properly. “Mr. Locke, hella. I’m sorry about earlier, I was a bit rade.”
Theodore waved it oft. “No, I was the one who tossed a line.
Vespera smiled politely. “Not at all.”
Keeping het toe special, she turned to Samuel. “Mr. Bei Sentor, I won’t disturb your lunch with Mr. Locke any further I’ll head back to my room”
No need 1ll call Dominic and have him come to my private toom. You might as well join us first,” Samuel said.
“Alright,” Vespera agreed out loud, though internally, she was screaming.
They entered the Wisteria Room, where the food had already been served
Even after sitting down, Vespera still felt completely thrown off. She’d only meant to get a minute to breathe not end up at age with two business titans. Across the table, Theodore asked, “Ms. Gildon, what’s your full name? And are you seeing anyone?”
Vespera was mentally frozen.
She’d been fine walking away before because she hadn’t known who he was. But now that she did, even if she didn’t want to answer, she had to. “Vespera caldon,” she replied to the first question but let the second slide entirely.
Theodore nodded thoughtfully. “Beautiful name. It sounds like it was made for someone graceful, intelligent, and pure–hearted–which, from what i see, you Truly are.”
Vespera smiled awkwardly. “Thanks for the flattering words.”
She picked up her drink, yes lowered, sipping slowly to mask her discomfort.
Theodore was still staring at her.
Samuel’s expression shitted subtly. “Don’t tell me he’s into her?” he thought
Then, Theodore added, “Ms. Gildon, are you dating anyone? I have a nephew who’s still single.”
Vespera nearly choked on her drink
Just then, the door opened, and Dominic and Eden walked in right in time to hear Theodore’s question
Vespera’s head snapped toward them. She glanced at Dominic, then at Eden… and noticed the energy in the room instantly tumed weird.
Samuel looked toward the doorway, his gaze lingering on Eden in particular. The longer he stared, the heavier his mood grew. “Domine, come say hello to Mr.
Dominic stepped forward and greeted him politely. “Hello, Mr. Locke.”
Eden, on the other hand, was far more enthusiastic “Mr. Reid Senior! Long time no see: You just keep getting more handsome with age.”
Samuel narrowed his eyes at the guy built like a linebacker. The more he thought about the rumors involving Eden and Dominic, the more irritated he became. “Eden, you shouldn’t be running to Halewick all the time. You’re not getting any younger. Your uncle’s already looking to set you up with someone.” Eden flashed a wicked grin and casually hooked an arm around Dominic’s neck. “Why bother? I’d rather hang out with Dom. He’s way more fun than any girl.” The last part nearly gave Sampel a heart attack.
“Fun? Who’s fun? Fun in what way? Are you ‘playing with my son?” Samuel thought.
Theodore cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Now, now- everyone in this world could find theirown happiness. Dominic and Eden are both good boys. And gender, well it’s not an issue these days. No need to be so old–fashioned.”
Samuel’s face tumed the color of storm clouds. He wanted to curse him. “To hell with your “gender’s not an issue!” he screamed in his head.
Domini wasn’t even pushing Eden away. He just let him keep that arm there like it was normal, Samuel felt cold all over, his vision dimming.
Then suddenly, his eyes locked on Vespera, who was still sitting quietly, sipping her drink. And just like that, it was as if a ray of sunshine broke through the storm, and hope returned to his eyes
“Dominic’s perfectly nonnal,” he said He likes girls. Everyone at the company says he and Ms. Gildon are dating, right?”
Vesperahad been sitting sately in the background, minding her own business, quietly drinking. She’d even been feeling a little sorry for Samuel– until now. How could do is to her?
Her eyes went wide in partic, all facial composure gone. She frantically waved her hands. “No! No, I’m hot dating Mr. Held! That’s just gossip, Mr. Reid Senior! Total
Sanwel gave a knowing, authoritative smile. “I know perfectly well whether it’s a rumor or not.“
She wondered what he even knew. He just wanted everyone to low his son was straight.
If word get out that Samuel himself had “confined” the numors were true… God help her.
Dealing with Alex was already a full–time job, now Samuel wanted to jump in too? Was she not allowed to live?
she looked at Dominic like she was throwing up a white flag. Her eyes practically shouted, “Say something clear this up!”
Dominic brushed Eden’s arm off his shoulder and sat beside her. The ley, distant look he’d won since walking in finally melted into something softer and warmer. “Don’t tease her. She’s shy. The rumors at the office have already been stressing her out. If they keep spreading, she might just quit
His tone was soft, and his eyes indulgent
Every word was meant to clarily
Every word also screamed protectiveness.
And every word just made things worse.
Vespera felt her cheeks flush from the way he looked at her. That was his idea of an explanation? With a voice and a look like that, even stray cats and dogs would think they were in some secret relationship!
Right then, Eden–who’d been standing nearby–plopped down into the chair on Dominic’s other side. His expression turned serious, eyes full of heartbreak “Dom! I can’t believe you’ve changed. You promised no girlfriends, remember? We were gonna rebel against society and defy your parents together! But the second you met Ms Gildon, you changed
“We were perfectly happy being pay together, and now you’re straight again? No! You can’t be with her! I’m devastated! I object! You have to choose, it’s eitheame or Ms. Gilden!
Vespera sat, frozen in place. She was in the front–row seat to Eden’s dramatic heartbreak
WallSo she was the other woman now? She had stolen someone’s man?
But even she couldn’t match the look of shock on Samuel’s face. His eyes bulged like they might pop out of his skull.
He was the chairman of Tavian Group–he’d been through all kinds of stoms, but nothing had ever shaken him like this.
He broke into a cold sweat. “Theodore! You–you better get your crazy nephew out of here!”
“Calm down,” Theodore said, trying to soothe him. “Eden won’t cling to Dominic. He knows where the line is
Lasy for you to say! Your family didn’t get “Samuel snapped, then stopped short.
“Didn’t get what?” Theodore clearly didn’t follow.
Samuel was so furiour that he nearly passed out on the spot. He wanted nothing more than to pack this uncle–nephew doo into a box and ship them straight back to Ravendale.
But Eden wasn’t done. Not only did he show zero sympathy for Samuel, but he doubled down just to provoke him further.
“Mr. Reid Senior, don’t be mad! I do love Dom. I mean, our families go way back. If you’re willing to let Doin marry me, I promise I’ll treat him like a princess.” Samuel almost choked on his own breath. He grabbed the nearest dish off the table and hurled it at him. “Get the hell out-
Eden ducked effortlessly. The dish flew past his ear and shattered on the floor behind him with a loud crack
Samuel jumped to his teet, ready to launch something else, but Theodore rushed in and held him back. “Samuel, calm down! Eden’s always been a bit of a handful He’s just joling around-”
“Keep him away from my son!” Samuel roared.
No Lather alive could handle this level of emotional trauma,
He then tomed to Vespera–sill frozen in place, completely shell–shocked–and said stemdy, “Ms. Gildon, you need to sit down with Dominic and have a serious talk You cannot lose to another man.”
Vespera blinked. “Wall me? How did this mess come back to me?” she thought.
“Mr. Reid Senior, I swear, Mr. Reid and I really”
“Say no more. I know it’s real. Just go for it. If there’s any issue, I’ll back you up!” Samuel interrupted, waving it off.
His eyes were practically dining with hope, like he was placing the future of his entire bloodline in her hands.
Samuel leaned closer, catching the panic on her face, “With great power comes giral iesponsibility. I belleve in you! You’ve got this!”
Vespera fell into stunned silence.
“crept power, my ass! I’m not Arachnomand” she thought.
Across the table, Eden was dramatically sigling and pretending to cry into his tool, somehow still managing to eat between emotional gasps.
Theodore gently guided Samuel back into his chair, doing his best to calm the situation.
With a chuckle, he added, “I was just thinking of introducing Ma, idonto Eden. Didn’t realize she was already Domine’s gidfriend,”
