Brian gently reached for my hand, his tone laced with that all-too-familiar coaxing. “Come on, honey. It’s just a seat. Let her have it. After all, she’s your cousin. Switch with her, okay?”
His voice was laced with tenderness, his eyes filled with an affection that seemed reserved for me. Yet his words defended another woman.
I gave him a faint smile, lifting my gown as I walked toward the car in the back. “Fine,” I said coolly. At least this way, I wouldn’t have to endure the sight of him pretending anymore.
The banquet hall buzzed with conversation as people milled about in their finest attire. Laurel was already holding a glass of red wine, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she approached me.
“Oh, Angie,” she said with a mocking lilt, “how could you be so sloppy? Look at your dress. It’s all wrinkled. Couldn’t you have at least ironed it before wearing it?”
I ignored her, turning toward the dessert table to pick out a small cupcake. I hadn’t had breakfast and my stomach was growling. At this point, satisfying my hunger was far more important than engaging with her nonsense.
But Laurel wasn’t done. She followed me, “Do you think I’m just going to steal your man?” Her tone dripped with smug satisfaction.
I took a bite of the cupcake, glancing at her with mild curiosity. Her lips curled into a sly smile. “Stay and watch. It’s just the beginning.”
The host took the stage moments later, announcing the award for Outstanding Performance. Laurel’s name was called. Laurel stood gracefully on stage, her lively demeanor engaging Brian with a knowing look.
The eyes of everyone in the room shifted between the three of us. I could feel pity as their gaze landed on me.
On the screen, Laurel’s track record began to roll through, showcasing her accomplishments.
A client named Mr. Kumar, whose asset management returns had exceeded 20%, was hailed as a miracle in the industry.
The crowd gasped in admiration.
“She is so amazing!”
“The last person to be this impressive was Mr. Rocha’s fiancée, the legendary Miss Duncan!”
“You call that legend? Her best was only 15%, while Laurel’s hit 20%. Now, that’s a legend.”
She may have stolen my man, but I didn’t care. Because any man who could be stolen wasn’t worth having! But stealing the achievements I’d worked so hard for? That, I couldn’t tolerate.