Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Chapter 209: The Set Up

Clairessa's POV

At a closer look, the mystery man was tall and lean, with sun-kissed blond hair that brushed his shoulders and a clean jawline. Striking bone structure-surfer- model attractive.

An effortless charm played across his face, and his eyes brightened the moment they landed on Jess.

He stepped back with practiced ease, meeting both our gazes. "Jess. I thought that was you."

I smiled, slow and knowing. "Yes. It is definitely Jess."

Jess shot me a daggered look that could've sliced the champagne glass in my hand.

I grinned back.

"How do you know my friend?"

He extended a hand, his voice calm and laced with amusement. "I'm Brian. We

met at an art exhibition in Florence. Brief... but memorable."

Jess muttered under her breath, "An experience I'd like to forget."

Brian tilted his head. "Sorry, I missed that?"

"She said she's surprised to see you. That's all," I cut in sweetly, flashing a casual smile.

"I hope it's a good surprise, then." He held out his hand again. "Forgive my manners. I'm Brian."

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Brian. I'm Clairessa-Jess's best friend."

I savored every second. For once, I wasn't the one being blindsided by some smooth-talking guy. Jess-usually so carefree, so untouchable-was the one squirming now. And honestly? It was oddly therapeutic watching her stumble into the kind of messy, tangled encounter she always teased me about.

Brian turned to Jess again. "It's really good to see you again. I'm glad you came."

Jess folded her arms. "Can't say the feeling's mutual."

Okay. Yep. Something definitely happened between them.

Then Brian-still somehow oblivious to the irritation in Jess's tone-added with a

smile as his eyes swept over her, "You look beautiful, by the way."

When Jess didn't respond, he grinned. "You too, Claire."

I took a slow sip of champagne. "Thanks. But honestly, I think my friend here is

the one who looks exceptionally stunning."

Brian laughed, a little too nervously. "You're absolutely right."

her breath, tugging at my wrist. "Can we go

pleaded, "Not yet. Please, can we

Jess snapped, "No."

again. "Please, Jess. Let me explain.

bit back, "You had

Jess's arm. "Jess, I know you're upset-and honestly, I don't even know why, because someone's

jumped at the

rolled her eyes.

glass doors and low music- until we reached a private lounge: dimly

finger foods. I took a plate. I was hungry- and nothing helped me

looked like she was being dragged through a haunted

broke the silence. "I never thought I'd see you

blinked. "Your

"Well... technically, it's one of my dad's lofts. But yeah, I

"You're the

He nodded.

to be a client-inviting me to this party, saying he'd introduce me to some supposed investor to sell my

didn't have a choice. After that day, I tried reaching out, but it seemed like

"So your brilliant idea was to trick me into coming here? To use

Marco is actually a friend who helps me find good art collections," Brian said quickly. "I

"You let

didn't know me... like I was

spinning toward me. "Claire,

put. "No,

Jess's eyes narrowed. "Claire_"

let's just hear

huffed but sank back into her seat,

know you, but I've been trying to put in a good word. It's getting harder, though

me a mock glare, like finally, you're

"What happened... I made a mistake. A

leaned back, folding my arms. "Then start

rubbing his palms on his thighs. "We met in Italy, at a club.

morning,

But

to leave for a business meeting with my father. When Jess showed up at

onto him,

that socialite crowd. Doesn't want me seen with women who don't fit a certain mold. I

certain mold?" I repeated,

out. My father's all about appearances. That day was business, not

03 Outl

that life."

voice went flat. "None of that's my problem. You and your dad can

Date whichever heiress he

sounds.