Chapter 151: Lead the Way
Marcus
I look at Hailey from across the room. The suspicion in her eyes is delicious. I know she is smart enough to wonder if I orchestrated Elise and Thomas’s offer to Josh. But she can’t accuse me outright. It’s fascinating to watch her think, to see her mind working behind those expressive eyes.
Thomas raises his glass to me from across the room, a silent acknowledgment of a favor returned. I nod back, keeping my expression neutral.
Of course, I arranged the meeting. Thomas owed me after I connected him with the Chinese textile manufacturer that saved his spring collection last year. One phone call was all it took.
But the offer is legitimate. Josh does have the look L’Attente wants, and Elise isn’t the type to waste her time on mediocrity. If he accepts, he’ll be whisked away to Milan within weeks, leaving Hailey here, in my orbit, without her golden retriever bodyguard.
I take a sip of my scotch, enjoying the slow burn down my throat as I survey my kingdom.
The party is going perfectly. The right people, the right conversations, the right atmosphere of exclusivity and indulgence. Even the lighting is flawless, casting everyone in the most flattering glow money can buy.
"You look pleased with yourself," a voice purrs beside me.
I turn to find Rebecca, that irritating little firecracker, watching me with knowing eyes. Her red dress is admittedly stunning, if obvious. The kind of dress a woman wears when she wants every man in the room to imagine taking it off.
Not me, though.
"I’m always pleased with myself," I reply, not bothering to temper my arrogance. "It’s one of my more charming qualities."