Page 106 of Bitter Confessions

The familiar scent of his cologne comforted her even as she stared into eyes that held no trace of warmth or affection. He was back to being the untouchable tycoon. No compassion, distant, fortified.

“Are you breaking our deal?”

His indifferent tone made it sound like he didn’t care one way or the other. For the millionth time, she wondered how everything had gone so wrong and what she’d done to turn him back into the iceman.

“I don’t care either way. I have better things to do than attend meetings on your behalf, vouching for your worthless sisters.”

He fingered a strand of wet hair as she stared straight ahead.

“Are you forfeiting your family’s company because you don’t want to spend an evening drinking champagne at a party?”

His taunt made her swallow the invisible obstruction in her throat.

“I’ll go.”

He showed no reaction to her answer. No satisfaction or disappointment, just static. He stayed where he was, mouth an uncompromising line, as he surveyed her upturned face. She was sure there was nothing for him to object to, because she felt absolutely nothing and knew her face was as blank as her emotions.

“Are you planning to make a scene tonight to get back at me?”

That was the last thing she wanted. She shook her head.

“See that you don’t,” he said softly. “I have important contacts to meet. If you plan to throw a tantrum and retaliate in public, you won’t like the consequences. You’ll wear Daiyu’s dress and go to the appointments Sarai made for you, no complaints. Tonight, you smile and play your part.”

He leaned down. He was so close she saw her reflection in those fathomless obsidian pools.

“I expect to get my money’s worth, Jasmine. Don’t let me down.”

He gave her a brief, sexless kiss that made her insides wither before he walked away. She listened to the sound of his retreating footsteps, and although it should be impossible, she knew the exact moment he boarded the elevator, and she was alone.

Her heart thudded in her ears. If she had any doubts about their relationship, he’d just set her straight. There were moments when the lines blurred; when she thought they might be building something more. But it would always come back to their deal. This wasn’t a real marriage where she could refuse without consequences. He valued her for her body and background, and since it appeared he’d had his fill of her sexually, that left business. She wasn’t here to daydream and write in an office with a multimillion-dollar view. He’d married her to leverage her connections and further his gains.

She’d fulfilled two parts of their agreement—she’d traveled with him and fucked his brains out—but she’d neglected the most important part. Seven years ago, Roth was an outsider. This time, he had contacts like Sullivan Trentham, had reached the coveted billionaire status, and had the daughter of his enemy on his arm. The Trentham Ball was the ideal setting for an epic comeback. This wasn’t about her; it was about cementing his image in society. She was an expensive prop, nothing more, and he expected to get his money’s worth. He’d do whatever was necessary to ensure she complied, once again threatening to pull the plug on Hennessy & Co., even if he lost millions in the process. She had no doubt he would do it. In his mind, she hadn’t paid up. Her loving devotion meant nothing to him. All that mattered was business.

She took a fortifying breath and put her shoulders back. Her father’s training would stop her from making a fool of herself. She knew how society worked and how she’d be received. She had never been respected, even as a Hennessy. She’d redeemed herself a little when she reconciled with her father, but reentering the highest levels of society on the arm of the man she’d cheated with while engaged to Ford Baldwin? It was going to cause an uproar.

Roth was a powerhouse... and a man. Men always got a pass when it came to infidelity. It was the women who were always shunned. The fact she’d married her lover twice wouldn’t make a difference to the prudes in high society. And it was no secret that Roth was now the majority shareholder of Hennessy & Co. Tongues would be wagging tonight.

The fact he’d given her no warning and shoved her back into the spotlight showed how little he cared for her feelings. He knew how much she hated circulating in society. On top of the cold shoulder he’d given her this week, Roth now expected her to put on the performance of her life in an arena that had always been her version of hell on earth.

She wasn’t sure how long she stared into space, but she came out of her stupor when she heard the distant ringing of her phone. She should get that. It was probably Sarai calling to give her a rundown of her appointments for the day. Appointments she desperately needed to be anywhere near presentable for, given the level of scrutiny she’d be under tonight.

When the phone quieted, she forced herself to move. She made her way back to her jewelry box and took off all her mother’s pieces aside from the ruby ring and diamond anklet, which she didn’t feel like giving up.

She stared at her first wedding band—the one Roth said he’d held on to as a reminder. Of what, she still didn’t know. For her, it represented a new start—one that ended before it began. Roth was like any man. They loved the chase, but once they got what they wanted, they lost interest. She’d always known his thirst for ambition and power came first, but for a few weeks she’d foolishly allowed herself to believe that she was in his top priorities too. Her delusions had been officially laid to rest.

She dropped Roth’s ring in the jewelry box, along with all the other broken promises from her mother’s lovers. As her phone trilled again, she strode out of the office. Dread and trepidation were replaced by grim resolve. She’d been training for a night like this all her life. She would ensure Roth got his money’s worth. If she did her job well enough and he accomplished everything he planned for the evening that would cement his place in society, perhaps he would have no further need of her, call it even, and release her.

CHAPTER 20

Jasmine didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror, but that wasn’t surprising considering the hours that had gone into creating the best version of herself. She spent most of her day at the spa and salon in their building, where she’d gotten a facial, wax, nails, hair, and makeup done.

When she returned to the penthouse, she found a small crowd waiting for her. Each group was there to offer an accessory—shoes, clutches, and jewelry that had been preselected to match the dress that had yet to arrive. All she had to do was choose what she liked best.

Everyone deferred to her choices except the jewelry consultant. When she selected a dazzling pair of chandelier earrings and declined any other pieces, the consultant protested.

“Your husband was clear that he wanted you to have a set, not just one piece.”

She frowned. “I haven’t seen the dress yet, but I was told it has a high neckline and long sleeves. I think the earrings are enough.”

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