Page 18 of King of Deception

“You don’t need to bother yourself with details—”

“It’s a meeting for me. Just let them know.”

“Of course.”

After plenty of back and forth with my sister over the phone, I finally persuaded her to meet me for an early dinner. In the rooftop restaurant, we sat at our regular table facing the magnificent New York skyline.

“I’m here,” she gestured with her hand. “So?”

“Can’t a man have a meal with his little sister anymore?”

She slowly blinked, pressing her lips into a line. “I know what this is about.”

“And? You think I’m being extra.”

“You are. Toby and I are having so much fun and—”

I interrupted her, “And you’re his rebound girl.”

She scowled at me and smirked.

“Any word from Isaac?” I asked.

“Why are you fixating on him?”

“Because he’s been your longest-standing relationship—”

“Until he wasn’t,” she leaned forward, gritting her teeth. “Toby’s everything Isaac is not.”

“Right,” I nodded. “Ten years older. Recently divorced. God knows what kind of trauma that caused.”

“She cheated on him.”

“You’re only getting one side of the story. Besides, what makes you think that he’s serious about you?”

“What makes you think that I’m serious about him?” She challenged me with her eyes.

“Adele!”

“What?”

“Oh, if it wasn’t New York’s most eligible bachelor.” A woman’s voice made us both look up.

Towering over us was Zeina Shall, a socialite with merciless beauty and even more ruthless ambition to rule the investment sector.

“Hi, Zee!” Adele grinned. “How are you?”

“I’m great,” Zeina’s eyes didn’t regard my sister with a glance. Instead, they were brazenly scanning me. “I heard that you two went to Lily’s wedding together.”

“Your sources are fantastic as always, Zeina,” I smirked.

“When are you ever gonna let me take you out to dinner, Abel? Strictly business, of course, in case it otherwise makes you nervous.”

Forcing a chuckle, I scratched my nose, giving myself an excuse to look away as she strategically leaned over, making her cleavage all the more visible. “How about coffee at my office?”

Finally turning to Adele, Zeina let out a nervous laugh. “Impossible, your brother. Isn’t he?”

“Tell me about it.”

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