Page 8 of Rival to the Billionaire

I throw her a dismissive smile. "Looks like you're having a great time."

"I am! I can't wait for those people to invite me back for the next party. But you'll be there, won't you, Ryder? It would look really good for my channel to film you at one of their parties."

But I'm not really listening.

My eyes are on a strange, unfamiliar sight…

Jenny Forde. Laughing. Looking light-hearted and free in a way I haven’t seen since we were kids.

Her tiny waist lies in Julian Sabado's steady hands as they move to the music with the easy grace of a pair of lovers.

For a moment, I stand back and allow myself to drink in the sight.

The ice queen who's tried to ruin the one project I actually give a shit about has the nerve to enjoy herself at my expense.

And I hate her. I hate her for her sharp tongue and even sharper brain.

I hate that she's here now, enjoying herself after all she’s done.

My eyes narrow to slits and I down my drink in one quick gulp. I won't let her ruin what I know to be the best thing I've ever made.

She’s ruined too many things for me already.

And I sure as hell ain't letting her pretend she doesn't give a shit about the wreckage she's tried to leave.

The song is nearly over when I notice the others in the room are starting to scatter. The dance floor starts to thin out.

I start walking.

I hear Deidre yell "Ry-Ry!" behind me. But I ignore her.

Julian Sabado has already slinked off the floor and onto the main level of the party as the song fades out. Finding myself in front of a suddenly alone Jenny Forde, I take the opportunity to knock a few inches off her height.

"Well, well, well," I purr. "Looks like your boy forgot all about you." I gesture at the floor around us sans Julian.

Her hazel eyes heat. "He's going to the line at the bar to get us drinks. Like a gentleman. Not that you would know anything about that," she hisses.

"Well, if he's any kind of 'gentleman', he shouldn't have risked walking off without his date…knowing someone might try to take his place."

"And that 'someone' would be …?"

"Me," I say, stepping so close to her that I can count the translucent freckles on her nose.

She leans back, but I follow right on after her, not letting her gain a reprieve.

“Care for a dance?" I say.

"I thought you were already dancing." She gestures. "With that human blow-up doll over there."

I smirk. "Depends on what you call 'dancing'. And I'm just trying to do you a favor. Seeing Hare & Holeton employees get abandoned on the dance floor isn't exactly…good optics."

"How thoughtful of you."

"Think of it this way. You dance with me…and people might be less apt to talk about the fact that you needed to beg for a date in order for someone to be with you." I shrug. "Turns out people here suspect that Julian Sabado is a blind date. They say you begged him to join you here tonight. They say you're pathetic. Even desperate enough to get a blind date. I thought you might prefer to prove them wrong."

My words are an accusation, a dare, and she looks furious.

But I can see her thinking.

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