Page 123 of Bitter Confessions

“She’s reading romance.” When Charlotte gave her a blank look, she felt her cheeks heat a little before she elaborated. “You don’t read romance or fantasy when you’re depressed. You read horror, dark fantasy, dystopian, postapocalyptic, things like that. It’s like listening to rap, punk, or rock when you want to rage. Reaching for a romantic adventure with a charming hero in a fantastical world where good always prevails is the best escape there is. I’d say she’s coping in a normal and healthy way. It’s what I did, and I turned out okay.” When Charlotte stared at her, she tacked on, “Well, okay-ish.”

Charlotte threw her head back and laughed uproariously, just like her father. Heads at their table and the next turned to see what was going on. If she’d known Charlotte better, she would have elbowed her in the side, so she’d stop drawing attention to them. She ground her teeth when Roth’s hand slid to her knee and squeezed.

“Dad was right about you,” Charlotte chortled. “You’re definitely an original. I hope you’re right about Dahlia. I could use some good news.” Charlotte straightened and became all business. “The reason I brought up your donation is that I was hoping you’d be interested in helping me at the Trentham Foundation. We have a ton of events throughout the year. You could meet the heads of other organizations so you’re on a one-on-one basis with them and see firsthand what a difference your money is making in the world.”

She had expected an invitation like this at some point, but not from Charlotte Trentham. She couldn’t deny she was curious about getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest foundations in the country. If her investments paid off and she was able to donate more in the future or start a foundation of her own, what she learned from Charlotte was invaluable... Also, through Charlotte, she could secure an invite to any event and get all the insider information Roth could want. That would ensure he got his money’s worth out of her. It was a win-win.

“Yes, I’d love that,” she said.

Charlotte’s eyes lit up. “Excellent.”

Nathaniel rose. As if that were the cue everyone had been waiting for, they got to their feet and began to file out of the dining room. Servers immediately began to clear tables for the next round of guests to eat.

When Roth climbed to his feet, she stayed seated. He cupped her chin, forcing her face up. She kept her gaze lowered as she accepted his kiss.

“I have to step out for a minute.” He focused on Charlotte, who was unabashedly watching their interaction. “Will you watch my wife?”

“I don’t need a keeper,” she snapped.

“Yes, you do.” He looked up when Nathaniel called his name and nodded before he looked back at her. “I shouldn’t be gone long. Stay out of trouble.”

With that, he strode toward the door, where Nathaniel, Mikhail, and three other men waited for him.

“Dad was right about you two,” Charlotte said, linking arms with Jasmine as they made their way out of the empty dining room.

“What did he say?” she asked a tad more sharply than she should have, but Charlotte didn’t seem to notice.

“He told me and Nathan we’d get along well with both of you. My dad has a sixth sense when it comes to people. My grandfather had it too. Apparently, it’s skipped our generation.”

As they exited the hallway and made their way back to the ballroom, Charlotte acknowledged those they passed with a nod, or by lightly touching their arm, but she didn’t stop to engage anyone in conversation. When they entered the ballroom, Charlotte paused on the threshold.

“Is there anyone you’d like to be introduced to?”

Knowing what a boon that would be, Jasmine drew in a breath, but her mind was blank. “Um...”

The choice was taken from her when a former President of the United States approached. He and Charlotte were on a first-name basis. She wasn’t sure whether she should excuse herself or...

“Have you met Jasmine Roth?” Charlotte asked.

“I haven’t.” He switched his attention to her and offered his hand. “I saw you dance with Sullivan. Are you up for another turn on the floor?” When she paled, he grinned. “It’s just as well. I think my wife would be jealous.”

“So would her husband,” Charlotte said in a conspiratorial whisper.

“Ah, I see. From what I’ve heard, I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.”

Her smile turned a little wonky at hearing that, but it went unnoticed as he and Charlotte continued their conversation. When the President took his leave, he kissed her hand as Sullivan had.

Like Roth, Charlotte didn’t have to circulate. The crowd revolved around her. As one person after the next stepped forward, Charlotte effortlessly wove Jasmine into each interaction. Fifteen minutes at Charlotte’s side was more illuminating and instructive than if she’d gone to every party this year.

While Nathaniel handled the business and financial side, it seemed Charlotte handled the social and political sphere, and she was damn good at it. Royals, prime ministers, and other dignitaries came forward to pay their respects. So did members of ancient bloodlines she thought were legend.

She’d always admired her sisters in social and business settings, but Charlotte Trentham was next-level. She had a pleasant expression on her face, but it wasn’t quite a smile. She didn’t hesitate to put anyone, male or female, in their place. Watching Charlotte manage her guests was a master class in etiquette, the art of small talk, and networking.

She lost track of the number of people who requested to meet Roth. She tried to remember their names and faces so she could point him in their direction once he returned to the ballroom. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet these world powers. Thus far, he’d focused on business, but the political arena was just as important.

Several men who had been associated with her father came forward to speak with Charlotte. They ignored her, but Charlotte didn’t let them get away with it. She was positively gleeful when Charlotte introduced her, as if they hadn’t known her from the cradle. Although she could see it galled them to treat her with respect, Charlotte’s presence demanded it.

But just as it had with Colette, the lesson came to a halt far too soon.

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