Page 54 of Gathered Sparkle

“I’m pretty sure you can go home, Nico, if that’s what you want.” I hold his gaze. “You’re not trapped here. Not unless you want to be.”

I want to say that he’s welcome here, but we all know that’s not the case. And it’s not my fucking place or house.

For a moment, he doesn’t respond, looking at me like he’s trying to find the lie in my words. But there’s nothing for him to find because I mean every word.

The sharp ring of a phone cuts through the tension, and everyone freezes when Koen pulls his phone from his pocket, glancing at the screen. “It’s Veronica.”

Ezra’s jaw tightens. “Take it.”

Koen glances at Levi and mutters, “Try to keep your feelings to yourself for once,” before he answers the call and switches to the speaker. “Veronica.”

“Koen, darling.” Her voice flows through the room, each word dripping with false sweetness. “How are you? And how’s Levi? I imagine he’s back in your care by now.”

Koen’s gaze flickers to Levi, who stiffens beside me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

A faint chuckle comes through the line. “Let’s drop the farce, hmm? I just wanted to tell you that I had nothing to do with it.”

Koen’s brows furrow. “You didn’t?”

“Of course not,” Veronica purrs. “Apparently, your brother thought it wise to try and make his way to my penthouse.” Koen’s glare hardens as it snaps to Levi, who suddenly looks sheepish. “My security didn’t take kindly to the idea. He acted out, so they, unfortunately, applied violence. I’m terribly sorry about that. But you know how my security is. They don’t take threats lightly.”

I can almost feel the storm brewing in Koen, his jaw tight as his fingers flex around the phone.

Veronica continues, “I was on my way down to security to check on Levi when I heard about it this morning. But then Detective Hill arrived with some of his police friends. They were making a scene in front of my guests. I had to deal with that first, of course, but I would’ve let him go, Koen. I thought it was in both our interests that I didn’t make an even bigger spectacle out of all of this by handling an unconscious body to the police in front of the public.”

I barely suppress a scoff, and when I glance at Ezra, I see his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

“You would’ve let him go?” Koen questions, dangerously calm.

“Of course,” she replies smoothly. “I meant it when I said I want to mend things between our families. I don’t know why Levi was there in the first place, but I would have let him talk. I’m sure it was urgent if he made the effort to come all that way. I’m only sorry my security overreacted. Please tell yourlittle brotherto call ahead next time. It’ll save us all this trouble.”

My gaze flicks to Levi, who bites his lip to keep from speaking. Koen reaches out, gripping his wrist firmly. “I’ll let him know.”

“Good.” There’s a satisfied hum in her voice. “But I still feel bad that he got hurt, and apparently, the newest addition to your family did too.”

Every pair of eyes in the room shifts to me. I try to keep my expression neutral, but inside, my thoughts are spiraling.

What the hell?

She wanted me arrested, and now she’s acting like I’m part of some cozy family reunion.

“Speaking of…” Koen’s voice hardens. “You’re not going to press charges?”

“Of course not, Koen,” Veronica says sweetly. “I’m sorry, I was alittleagitated by the commotion. You know how much Ivalue the Heights’ reputation. I’m apologizing for my tone. But I think Detective Hill has some apologizing to do as well. And the pretty Ms. Evans for playing cat and mouse with my security.”

What a fucking bitch.

Koen’s jaw ticks. “I’m sure we could—”

“Actually,” Veronica cuts him off. “Why don’t all of you come over for dinner on Friday? We can ensure all the apologies are said properly and put this little escapade behind us.”

Koen’s eyes flick to Ezra, then Levi, then they settle on me, and I nod.I can do that if it helps them.

“I’m sure that could be arranged.”

“Wonderful. I’m expecting you, Levi, Detective Hill, and Ms. Evans around eight. Nicholas will be there too.”

Nicholas stiffens beside me at that. His expression is unreadable, but I can see the skepticism in his gaze.

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