Chapter 2

The elevator doors slid shut, leaving the two of us in the cramped space.

I caught his reflection in the elevator doors. He was in a sharp suit, with that usual cool look in his eyes.

He was watching me too, his eyes settling on my face in the mirrored doors.

Three seconds later, he spoke up. "How's work been lately?"

I turned to him, flashing my best professional smile. "It's been well. Thanks for asking, Mr. Bennett."

He nodded and didn't say anything else.

The elevator descended and stopped at the first floor.

As soon as the doors opened, I hurried out.

"Nicole," he called out from behind me.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around.

He was standing in the elevator doorway, backlit so I couldn't make out his expression. "Do your best at the party," he said.

I paused for a second, then kept smiling. "Got it, Mr. Bennett."

With that, I turned and walked away. Once I was outside the building, I let out a deep breath.

Seriously, what the hell? Do my best? I wasn't going there to perform or something.

When I got home, I took a shower and changed into a champagne-colored dress.

Jonathan had given it to me last month, saying it was a new style from one of his brand partners and that I should try it on.

I checked myself out in the mirror. It looked pretty good.

I put on some light makeup, let my hair down, and sprayed on a bit of perfume.

My phone rang. It was Jonathan. "Come downstairs."

I grabbed my bag and headed out.

Downstairs, a black SUV was parked. The window rolled down, and Jonathan's handsome face appeared. "Get in."

I slid into the passenger seat and buckled up.

Jonathan glanced over at me and nodded, looking pleased. "Not bad. You almost look human now."

"Look who's talking," I shot back, rolling my eyes. "You're the one who doesn't look human."

He chuckled and started the car.

"What exactly do you want to talk to me about?" I asked.

"Why the rush? I'll tell you when we get there."

I rolled my eyes and let it go.

We drove for about half an hour before pulling up to the hotel.

The entrance was packed with cars. Every kind of luxury ride lined up like it was a car show.

Jonathan handed the keys to the valet and led me inside.

The ballroom was on the third floor.

When the elevator doors opened, the place was already buzzing with activity.

I hooked my arm through Jonathan's and walked in, running into a few people right away.

"Mr. Lane!" a middle-aged man called out, hurrying over. "An honor to have you. This way, please."

Jonathan nodded and followed him.

I was a little stunned. "Nate, what is this all about?"

Jonathan looked down at me, his smile full of meaning. "Guess I forgot to tell you. I'm the one sponsoring your company's End-of-Year Party this year."

I stared at him, totally baffled. "What are you talking about?"

"What I mean is," Jonathan paused, "I've invested in your company. Signed the deal last week."

I was so shocked I could barely process it. "You invested in our company? Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

"Where's the fun in that if I told you ahead of time?"

I took a deep breath, trying to process what I heard.

So now I was working at a company my brother invested in?

Then why was I even bothering to go to work?

"What are you thinking about?" Jonathan tapped me on the head. "Don't think about slacking off. You still have to show up for work."

I rubbed my forehead and muttered, "Seriously, a capitalist exploiting his own sister? Unbelievable."

He smiled and didn't say anything. Someone came up to him and started making small talk.

I stood off to the side, bored out of my mind, looking around.

The ballroom was massive. Round tables filled the center. There was a buffet area on the side, and at the back, a stage with the company promo playing on the big screen.

The place was packed. People from every department were chatting in little groups.

I spotted a few familiar faces and was about to go say hi.

But then, as my eyes swept over the corner, I suddenly froze.

There he was, Nathan, standing tall in a sharp suit, holding a glass of wine, and looking at me.

He was standing in a dark corner, out of the light, so I couldn't make out his expression.

All I could see were his eyes. They were locked on me, or maybe on the hand I had looped through Jonathan's arm. His gaze was cold as ice.

My heart skipped a beat. Before I could react, he was already moving.

He strode straight toward me, cutting through the crowd with surprising speed.

"Nicole," Jonathan started, but before he could finish, Nathan was already right in front of me.

He grabbed my wrist; his grip was shockingly strong, making me wince.

I winced from the pain, sucking in a sharp breath. "Mr. Bennett—"

"How many people do you call Nate?" Nathan cut off, his voice low and simmering with barely contained anger.

I was stunned. What the hell was he talking about?

He stared at me, his eyes a little red.

I glanced down at his hand, then looked back up at him. "Mr. Bennett, you're hurting me."

He didn't let go.

Jonathan frowned, stepped forward, and said, "Sir, please let go of her."

Nathan shot Jonathan a look, and the instant their eyes met, I caught his eyes widening.

His gaze scanned back and forth between Jonathan and me, as if something had dawned on him. "You two..."

I took a deep breath, about to say something, when Nathan's phone buzzed.

He glanced down at it, and his face changed in an instant.

A WhatsApp message popped up on his screen: [Nate, I'm home. Thanks for the money today. Love you!]

It was sent by me, Nicole Lane, with a selfie I took at home in the dress.

Nathan slowly lifted his head to look at me, his eyes wide in disbelief, like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over him.

"These past three months..." Nathan's voice shook. "The person who's been sending you money every month was me?"