As I rounded a corner, I saw Nathan in an iron-gray suit, smiling as he chatted with someone. He looked more mature and composed than ever, exuding the quiet confidence of someone at the very top. Today, he wore gold-rimmed glasses, and his eyes shone behind the lenses.
I came in from a side hallway. Nathan was talking and didnโt notice me at allโuntil his partner nudged him, and only then did he turn and see me.
I walked over with a confident smile, greeting him naturally.
Nathanโs eyes lingered on me for a split second, but he quickly put on a relaxed smile, as if nothing had happened. โWhy didnโt you come with Mr. Holcomb?โ
โHe got here first. I had something to take care of, so Iโm running a bit late,โ I answered without missing a beat.
โAlright, let me take you inside,โ Nathan offered, though it was clear he had more on his mind, but kept it to himself.
โThatโs alright. There are still guests who havenโt arrived yetโIโll just head in myself,โ I said.
โAlright, Iโve got your seat all set up. My assistant will take you there,โ Nathan said, and didnโt insist.
I turned around and saw Nathanโs assistant hurrying over to lead me to my seat.
This time, I wasnโt seated at Jaredโs table. He was chatting with someone at the next table, but he glanced over at me, looking pretty grim.
About ten minutes later, Nathan came over and took a seat at my table.
Before dinner, Nathan and his partner got up on stage to give their speeches. Nathan took the lead on the tech side, while his partner painted a picture of the future. The way they played off each other was so smooth, the crowd couldnโt help but applaud.
I listened closely, trying to soak up every detail and get a better grasp of what they were talking about.
Maybe itโs just what happens after years in the workplaceโyou just get sharper, more tuned in. Back then, I was so hung up on love, I thought losing someoneโs affection would be the end of me.
But once you open your eyes a bit, you realize thereโs a whole world out there beyond romanceโstuff you can pour your energy into, some of it making money, some of it healing your spirit.
Nathan had a few drinks at dinner, and suddenly his gaze grew noticeably heated.
The guys at the table had seen plenty of beautiful women before, but they talked to me with genuine respect. It was a revelationโturns out, when youโve got real skills or stand high enough, men wonโt try to market your looks or toss out crude jokes.
Honestly, if you want respect as a woman, youโve got to put your energy into your career and fight for it yourself.
Chapter 754
Nathan was totally wasted, collapsed onto the table, the booze knocking him out cold.
His partner didnโt hesitateโhe waved over an assistant to help Nathan upstairs so he could sleep it off.
After dinner, I hung around for a bit before deciding it was time to head out.
Jared, his face flushed, walked over and asked, โYouโre leaving already?โ
I kept my tone flat. โYeah.โ
โDid Nathan drink too much earlier?โ Jared asked, clearly fishing for something.
โWhat are you hoping to see?โ I shot him a sharp look. โYou want to see him all messed up, losing his mind over love?โ
Jared was taken aback, suddenly at a loss for words.
โCan you not act like such a kid?โ I called him out, unable to hold back after seeing right through him.
โYouโre calling me childish?โ Jared shot back, clearly annoyed. โIf I didnโt love you, Iโd be more grown-up than your old man.โ
Hearing that, I instantly lost interest in talking to him. Yeah, Iโd seen his cold, ruthless side beforeโhe was mature, all right, but in a terrifying way.
โGood dogs donโt block the way,โ I said, eyeing him as he leaned against the door, refusing to let me pass.
โYou just called me a dog?โ Jared looked genuinely hurt, his emotions all over the place, probably from the booze. โWhen you loved me, I was your husband. Now you donโt, so Iโm just a dog to you? A childish one, even?โ
โJared, can you stop being so dramatic?โ I strode past him and left without another word.