Chapter 4
The guy from before? Long gone.
“Elara’s boyfriend is quite the catch,” Nathaniel said warmly.
Finally, a man who knows how to compliment.
“Wishing you two all the happiness in the world. Enjoy the party.”
‘Thank you, Director. Appreciate the kind words.”
ust like that, everyone understood two things:
- I’m serious about Lucian.
- Veridian Tech has their eye on the Vaughn family.
The crowd of thirsty social climbers thinned out quick–only people left were the ones who actually wanted to talk
usiness.
used the start of the dancing to make a quick getaway.
I’m exhausted. You could’ve helped deflect more of those vultures, y’know.”
huffed at Lucian as we danced.
Now that’s not fair. I downed half those drinks for you. And this networking? Helps my family too.”
Your dad just wants you to learn the ropes.”
ucian gave me that classic wounded–puppy look.
Wow, climbing that ladder fast, huh? That’s my dad.”
Kid changed his tune real quick.
Hasn’t even met my parents yet.
Then he leaned in close, breath brushing my ear.
‘So when are you taking me to meet them?”
‘I really liked the way you made things official tonight.”
There was a lightness in his voice, like he’d been waiting a long time for that title.
“Depends how well you behave.”
I flinched a little when he got too close–wasn’t used to being all PDA like that.
My ear turned pink from his breath.
“Well then, I better behave extra well tonight, Elara~”
His voice dipped and rose with a tease, that final “Elara~” making my whole face heat up.
Chapter 5
