Chapter 17

I never called myself the prettiest girl on campus, but I was nominated for it once in college. Later, I lost to another girl from a wealthier family–not that I cared, though it gave the gossip mill plenty to churn over.

“The runner–up belle,” I said with a self–deprecating smile.

The man hosting us was Lloyd Johnson, dressed in a tailored suit that screamed corporate success.

People crowded around him, laying on the praise. He wore the smug look of a man who’d made it, though his gaze kept flickering to me.

Truth was, only Melissa knew I’d married Jared. The rest just assumed I had a rich husband and left it at that.

“Victoria!” A voice cut through the chatter. I turned to see the class loudmouth–a guy who’d once tried to date me.

I used to skip these reunions back then. It wasn’t hard to feel insecure when everyone else had successful careers while I stayed home. My bank account might have been full, but not my sense of self–worth.

Mercedes–Maybach rolled to a stop nearby, just as a group of people emerged from the

probably over six feet–in a tailored navy suit and gold–framed glasses. When he heard that guy call out my name, he stopped mid–step and turned

vintage–style lights above the door cast a glow over his face, and for a

pleasure to meet you!” Lloyd nearly stumbled in his haste to approach. “Hello, Mr. Hallman, I’m Lloyd Johnson from Luminovate Tech–we met several weeks ago.” He scrambled to pull out a business card and offered it with both

“Mr. Hallman” nodded and took the card. “Hello,”

gaze flicked toward me before

it–amid a crowd of unremarkable men, a face that handsome was impossible to

practically tripped over himself to close the car door, his farewell

moment she saw him turn into such a

stage for male bravado

answered when asked about work. Then the conversation died right

Jared called halfway through dinner, I let my phone vibrate

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255