Page 48 of Forever Fake

He clears his throat, seeming somewhat uncomfortable. “Do you have a plan for the property?”

“Of course. That’s a perfect location for luxury condos.”

“Oh.” He frowns. “You see Mr. Bane wants to build a five-star hotel. I like his vision.”

You would, you simpleton.

“People want to live there, not visit and leave. Plus this city’s in dire need of more housing, even multi-million dollar condos. Just think of the building’s tenants. Your family’s property will become the homes of celebrities and superstars. It’ll have top-notch security and architectural design. At Titan Enterprises we pride ourselves on both luxury and practicality.”

“Hm. You make some good points. I’ll have to think about which way I’d like to go.” He steeples his fingers, leaning his elbows on the desk.

“I’d like to show you some detailed plans, say… over dinner atSpades?” One of the most exclusive restaurants in town is sure to lure him in. All I need is his attention, and he’ll soon come around to taking my offer.

Zaleski’s gaze snaps to mine, his intrigue plain on his face. “If you can get us a reservation, then how about tomorrow night?”

“Consider it done. See you there at seven.” I stand, extending my hand for him to shake. “This is the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship, Mr. Zaleski.”

“Please, call me Oz.”

“Oz?” I arch a brow.

“It’s what my friends call me because of my initialsOandZ. Oliver Zaleski. Oz.”

Loud female voices are the first thing I hear when I open my front door, followed by giggles. Avoiding them, I make a beeline for my home office.

Arianna’s voice filters down the hallway. “We wouldn’t want your wedding to end up like Sophia’s bachelorette party.”

I think it’s both Ravenna and Sophia who say, “Make good choices, Gin.”

“That party was epic, until… you know.” Gin is the loudest of them all.

More giggling follows.

I manage to make it to the peace and quiet of my office undetected. My refuge. Until my gaze snags on the numerous paint chips hanging on the wall.

Since her sister’s wedding last weekend, and our engagement announcement, Gin’s finally resigned to her fate. Embracing it even.

Yesterday she told me that if she’s going to live here for over a year then we need to paint the rooms. Apparently the neutral brown the interior designer chose isboring. That was her exact word: Boring. According to her, this place should havehappiercolors.

At least she agreed that we’d choose the palette together, and since it’s my house, I have ultimate veto power.

I loosen my tie to get more comfortable, gazing at the assortment of blues, greens, and yellows stickered to my wall.When I moved her into my house I didn’t realize we’d be doing so manycouplesthings together. Dinners, family events, and now… choosing paint colors.

My computer monitor glows, waking up, and I check my email after having ignored it during my meeting with Oz and on the ride home. What a ridiculous name, does he think he’s a wizard?

A new email pops up, from Yve, and I open it with a grimace. My gaze skims the text, moving quickly over the absurd message.

What the actual fuck?

It’s a wedding invitation to Lexa’s nuptials. Who the fuck..? She's marrying Franklin Cecil. My memory takes a few seconds to put a face to the name. When I finally do, my skin burns with rage. This has Yve’s handiwork written all over it.

That millionaire asshole is at least two decades older thanIam. He also used to be one of Yve’s lovers. Now he’s marrying her daughter.

That’s sick. Twisted.

My phone rings and I pick it up. “Baron,” I bark at the caller.

“Blake, darling. I hope you received the invitation to Lexa’s wedding. It’s in two weeks and attendance is mandatory. We set sail on the fifth. Be sure to bring your lovely fiancée.” She hangs up before I can get in a word.

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