Page 21 of The Billionaires' Gamble
Moving through life, checking off boxes on her to-do list.
“I don’t want my marriage to be a transaction.”
“I’m afraid it can’t be anything else. You’re a Chanler, whether that’s the name on your Amex or not.”
Suddenly, she brightens and sits up straighter in her seat, a smile curving her lips. I turn to see who she’s looking at, and my gaze collides with a familiar face.
“Tyler. Hello,” Mother croons.
Inwardly, I cringe. That’s so fucking creepy.
My ex stops next to our table. His lips are curved in a perpetual smirk, every hair is perfectly in place, and he’s dressed to impress.
“Ladies.”
“We were just talking about you,” my mother says, sounding so pleased.
I wouldn’t put it past her to have signaled him. “What a coincidence,” I add.
What’s that saying? When someone shows you who they are, believe them?
My eyes are wide open now, and I will never, can never, believe that my mother cares about me.
Mother cuts me a look, but then turns that smile right back to Tyler. “Won’t you join us?”
She has got to be kidding.
“I just ate?—”
“Sit. Have tea.” She lifts her hand, looking around for the wait staff.
Making a snap decision, I reach for my purse. “Here, have my seat. I need to be going. Thank you for lunch, Mother.”
I stand, and my mother’s mouth drops open like a fish. Relief wells inside my chest. I can taste my escape.
“Don’t go on my account,” Tyler says.
As if I’d do anything out of concern for him.
I paste on a smile. “Oh, I’m not. Goodbye, Mother.”
“I’ll see you tonight, darling. Chef’s cooking your favorite.”
I stare at Tyler for a long second. His expression is unreadable as it ping-pongs between me and my mother. With adeep breath, I turn back to her. “That’s very kind, but I’m staying with friends.”
I make my escape over her protest, gliding—okay, power walking—between the tables. In the anterior room, I press the button for the elevator. A hand closes around my elbow, and I pivot as I pull away.
“Katherine—”
9
ALEX
The elevator doors open to a flurry of movement. I immediately recognize the shock of golden-red hair, and my body coils tight.
“I told you to keep your hands off me!” Katherine spits the words like a tiny, angry kitten who’s just discovered its voice.
Roman’s right there, stepping in front of her, pulling her behind him as he glares at a man who’s doubled over.
