05
Stephan reached out to grasp my hand, his face a mask of urgency.
I snapped my fingers, and like clockwork, Cecily’s bodyguards surged forward, creating a barrier between Stephan and myself.
“What’s this supposed to mean?” Stephan’s voice rose in confusion.
I didn’t dignify his question with a response, casting only a dismissive glance towards Tiffany.
That single look was enough to make her visibly shudder.
A wave of ennui washed over me.
With a dismissive scoff, I turned on my heel, pulling Jessica along with me, leaving without another word to those behind.
In recent days, Jack had inexplicably given Tiffany a foothold in our company, even transferring to her a project I had painstakingly developed for close to two years, just on the brink of fruition.
The fruits of my labor were now labeled with Tiffany’s name.
Jessica sent me messages of condolence.
[Hey, what’s the deal with your dad? You’ve been hustling on that contract forever, and then he just passes it off to his foster daughter? I mean, you practically had it in your pocket, and you just let it slip to her? That’s so not you.]
It truly wasn’t like me at all. Indeed, I had to muster every ounce of restraint not to send the table flying.
But it was not the end of the world. If I was capable of securing that deal once, then I would certainly get the prowess to intercept it this time
around.
With that thought, I quickly typed out my reply to Jessica.
[Don’t worry. She doesn’t have what it takes to hold onto my things.]
Jessica evidently had no desire to linger on the subject; she quickly pivoted, launching into a fresh topic with
[Theodore’s pub is having its grand opening tonight. Should we go and add a bit of our charm to the place?]
ease.
And as if summoned, Theodore Fitzgerald sent me a text. [Grand opening tonight. You must come; I’ve got something big planned for you!]
I sighed, feeling the onset of a headache.
Theodore was a party animal in our social strata, a typical playboy.
His ‘surprises” were often more jarring than delightful.
That night, the moment I walked into the bar, my gaze was drawn straight to Tiffany, who was tucked away in a booth. Right next to her was my nominal fiancé, Stephan.
⚫act!”
Tiffany wore a white dress, like a misplaced angel in a den of vice.
Every time Tiffany lost in their game, Stephan was there to take her place in drinking.
“Okay. Tiffany’s no good with alcohol, so I’ll step up and drink for her.”
“Zooey has arrived!” someone announced, turning all eyes towards me.
Stephan froze, drink in hand, while Tiffany’s expression morphed into one of fear.
The crowd quickly enveloped me with their warmth and curiosity.
Leading the pack was Theodore because his laughter was the most boisterous of them all.
He quickly edged near, his whisper brushing my ear with confident promise, “Tonight, I’ve got your back tonight. Time to reclaim your stage.” His demeanor shifted back to his usual jovial self instantly.
Jessica took my hand, guiding me to a seat, and leaned in to whisper, “Thank God you’re here! I’m about to throw up from watching their lovey dovey
Everyone at the table was part of our social circle, all privy to the spectacle at my birthday bash.
Their gazes flickered between me and Tiffany with curiosity.
Theodore came over with a spinner.
“Let’s get this party rolling. Spin the wheel, and let fate decide the drinker!”
The atmosphere heated up once again.
Tiffany waved her hands in refusal. I’m not really good with alcohol…”
Her words sparked irritation among some of the socialites present.
“You don’t want to join in? Do you think you’re too good for us?”
“Exactly. Why bother coming to a bar if you’re not going to drink? Here for the show?” The crowd erupted in laughter, leaving Tiffany’s face burning with embarrassment.
“That’s not what I meant.”
Stephan quickly stepped in to defend her.
“If Tiffany loses, it’s on me. I’ll drink for her.”
