Page 79 of Gathered Sparkle

“Indeed.” Veronica sighs dramatically, reaching for her fork again. “And that’s something I wanted to talk to you about. Do you remember the joint venture I proposed to Oscar? The hotel?”

Koen and Levi speak in unison, their voices flat. “We remember.”

Ezra nods, his tone more conversational. “Oscar was delighted by the idea.”

“I know. So was I. It was such a strong concept, a magic-themed hotel with dinner shows and so much more. With my expertise in the hotel industry and his charm, talent, and name, it would’ve been a landmark on the Strip…” She pauses, looking at Koen and Levi with what could almost be mistaken for earnestness. “I’d love to bring it to life in his legacy with your help. You’re just as talented as he was, and people adore you. This could be something incredible. Not only would it be a gold mine, but it would carry his legacy forward. A landmark in his name, his honor, and his memory.”

I have to suppress a scoff.

It’s not like there’s not already a freaking Lane Building across the street.

“It sounds amazing, and we’d love to give Oscar such a legacy.” Koen sets down his fork, reaching for his own water. “But we’re not businessmen.”

“Oh, I know, darling,” Veronica waves a dismissive hand. “But that’s not a problem. That’s where Nicholas and I come in. You focus on the fun part… the shows, the concept, the look and feel. Nicholas and I will handle the logistics.”

Koen’s gaze shifts to Nicholas. “You’d help us with this?”

Nicholas’s expression remains impassive. “Mother thinks it’s a good investment, and I don’t question her.”

“He’s excited to help.” Veronica’s smile tightens. “Right, Nicholas?”

Nicholas inclines his head. “Of course, Mother.”

No wonder he hates her.

“And I know Rosie will love to help, too, won’t you, dear?” Veronica’s attention snaps back to me, her smile softening enough to feel condescending. “You can pick the prettiest bouquets for the entry hall.”

I almost laugh at its sheer absurdity. Not only because it’s a blatant throwaway task but also because Nicholas would probably be better suited to it than I would.

Bitch.

But I smile instead. “I’d love to.”

“Wonderful,” Veronica purrs, her satisfaction evident. “So, is this a yes?”

Koen’s gaze sweeps the table, lingering on Levi, then Ezra, before finally landing on me. There’s a glint in his eyes like he knows exactly how this is going, and for now, it seems to be playing into his hand.

The question is whether that’s a good thing or a disaster waiting to happen.

“Sure.” He nods. “Let’s rewrite the Strip.”

“Oh…” Veronica’s smile sharpens, “… we will.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Novalee

The mansion feels quieter than it should as we step through the door, the weight of the dinner still hanging in the air. Levi tugs at his collar as if it’s choking him, muttering about needing to wash his face to scrub Veronica’s air kisses off his skin.

“Get the poison off myself,” he clarifies as he kicks off his shoes and heads toward the stairs. “I can’t stand it.”

I huff. “A bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

Koen shrugs out of his jacket, running a hand through his hair. “He’s not wrong. I need to get out of this suit too. You need anything?”

“I’ll change in a minute.” I brush at the skirt of my dress. “I want some water first.” My throat hurts as if I choked on a breath the whole evening.

“I’ll grab it for you,” Koen offers, but Ezra steps in.

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