Page 102 of Sexting the Billionaire

"Of course you are," Mia interjects, her smile razor-sharp. "Networking is so important when your career depends entirely on who you know rather than what you can actually do."

Camden's expression tightens, but he ignores the barb, keeping his attention fixed on me. "I heard you're launching your own line under the Elysian umbrella. Quite an achievement for someone so... new to the executive level."

The implication in his tone is unmistakable.

"Talent has a way of rising," I say evenly. "When it's recognized by people who know what they're looking for."

"Is that what Kade recognized? Your talent?" Camden leans closer, dropping his voice. "Or was it something else entirely? The industry's buzzing about your meteoric rise in his company. Right after you started sleeping with him."

Anger flares hot and immediate. "You know nothing about my relationship with Roman, or about the work I've done to earn my position."

"Don't I?" His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I know how ambitious you've always been, Cassie. I know you'd do whateverit takes to advance your career. I just never realized sleeping with the CEO was part of your strategy."

Before I can respond, Mia steps between us, her voice low but intense. "That's rich coming from you, Camden. Didn't your firm just settle a sexual harassment claim out of court? The junior associate who claimed she was passed over for promotion after refusing your advances?"

Camden's face pales, his confident smirk faltering. "That's confidential information."

"Not anymore," Mia says sweetly. ”The industry is buzzing about your credibility. I would watch what you say. Your firm's dirty laundry is common knowledge in legal circles. Now, back away from my sister before I start sharing more details with the fashion reporters circulating this room."

For a moment, I think Camden might argue, might escalate the confrontation. Instead, he steps back, his lawyer's instinct for self-preservation kicking in.

"This isn't over, Cassie," he says quietly. "People deserve to know how you really climbed the ladder at Elysian."

"Goodbye, Camden," I say, forcing calm into my voice. "Don't approach me again."

He retreats into the crowd, leaving me shaking with a mixture of rage and something dangerously close to insecurity. Because despite knowing better, despite having earned every opportunity I've been given, part of me still hears his accusation and wonders if others will believe it too.

"You okay?" Mia asks, squeezing my arm.

"Fine," I lie, surveying the room to see who might have witnessed our exchange. "Was that true? About the harassment settlement?"

Mia nods grimly. "Every word. The guy's a predator in bespoke tailoring."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The confrontation has left me more rattled than I'd like to admit, and suddenly the room feels too warm, the crowd too close, the air too thin.

"I need some air," I murmur to Mia, already moving toward the terrace doors.

The night air is a relief against my flushed skin, the relative quiet a balm after the reception's constant chatter. I lean against the stone balustrade, closing my eyes briefly against a wave of dizziness that takes me by surprise.

"You shouldn't be out here alone."

Roman's voice makes me start, my eyes flying open to find him standing a few feet away, concern evident in his expression.

"I'm not alone now," I say, attempting a smile that feels shaky even to me. "When did you arrive?"

"About ten minutes ago." He moves closer, careful to maintain a professional distance despite the privacy of the terrace. "Just in time to see your confrontation with Camden."

I wince. "You saw that?"

"Enough of it." His voice tightens with controlled anger. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing worth repeating," I say, dismissing Camden's insinuations with a wave of my hand. "Mia handled it."

"Your sister is formidable," Roman acknowledges, the hint of a smile touching his lips. "But are you alright? You look pale."

"Just a little dizzy," I admit. "It comes and goes."

Concern flashes across his face. "Should we leave? I can have Henri bring the car around."

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