Page 35 of The Most Perfect Wrong

Then Genevieve’s eyes light up as she spots someone behind me. “Oh hey, there’s Leo and Vivian. Have you met them yet, Cooper?”

“No, I haven’t had the chance.”

“Well, let me introduce you both. They’re with Ryan—come on,” Genevieve says, leading the way. I hesitate for a split second, but reluctantly follow.

“Ryan?” Brad asks, his curiosity piqued. “Isn’t that the guy you and Genevieve are working with on the expansion?”

“Yeah… I’ll introduce you.” I send a silent prayer up that this stays normal.

“Ryan!” Genevieve calls out. Ryan turns toward us, his gaze landing on me before shifting to Brad, then back to me.

“Hey, Cooper,” he says, flashing a smile that feels both too warm and too knowing. Then, turning to Brad, he offers his hand. “Hi, I’m Ryan. You must be Brad. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Brad shakes his hand, but his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nice to meet you, Ryan. Funny thing—I’ve heard almost nothing about you,” he says, his gaze sliding over to me. “Except that you’re on this expansion project with Cooper and Genevieve.”

Oh. My. God.I feel my stomach drop.

Ryan gives me a knowing look. “Well, there’s not much to tell about me. Just a guy who works a lot—like you, I’ve been told.”

Genevieve jumps in,thank God. “Ryan, Cooper hasn’t met the Westons yet. I thought you could introduce them since they’re your friends.”

“Oh, sure.” He turns and taps a man on the shoulder, who turns around. Andholy hell—hello Mr. Weston. Genevieve wasn’t exaggerating—Leo is incredibly attractive. He taps the woman next to him on her shoulder, and when she turns, I realize this must be Vivian. She’s just as stunning as Leo, a real Hollywood red-carpet-worthy couple.

“Leo, this is Cooper, the new Project Manager for Nexlytic, and her fiancé, Brad. Cooper, this is Leo and Vivian—they own Elemental Hub and are the hosts of tonight’s party.”

“Nice to meet you, mate,” Leo says, shaking Brad’s hand first, then extending his hand to me. “Cooper, it’s great to finally put a face to the name. I’ve heard great things about you,” he says. There’s a brief pause before he adds, “and your work,” as if catching himself.

Brad raises an eyebrow. “Leo Weston? As intheLeo Weston—big-time real estate investor, Leo Weston?”

Leo gives a small, self-deprecating smile. “I dabble here and there, but yeah, I’ve done a bit of real estate.”

“More than a bit,” Brad says, grinning. “You’re practically a legend. I’ve followed some of your projects—you’ve built quite a portfolio.”

Leo nods modestly. “That’s kind of you to say. What line of work are you in that has you following my projects?”

Brad leans in, his interest evident. “I’m in mergers and acquisitions. I’ve handled a few deals involving property development and investment portfolios, so your name comes up quite a bit. It’s impressive.”

The two of them dive into conversation, leaving me to wonder why Leo Weston would know anything about me. Heard great things about me? Why? My mind spins, and as I glance at Leo and Ryan, now fully engaged in a conversation with Brad, it hits me—they’re friends.

And then it dawns on me. Ryan might have told him about me—about Newport.

And that is not ideal.

Vivian gasps. “Cooper, I love your dress. It’s gorgeous.”

“Thank you. That’s so nice of you. I love yours as well,” I say.

“Thank you. So, how are you liking it here?” Vivian asks me.

“I’m really liking it… It’s been good for me.”

“That’s great. And you’ve got such a solid team. I heard you and Ryan are working on a project together?” she asks, glancing over at him.

“Yeah, we are. It’s a lot of work, but it’s coming together,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual.

“That’s good. Well, Ryan’s a great guy. I’m sure he’s easy to work with.”

“Yeah, he is a good guy,” I say, though what I really want is to pull Vivian aside and ask all the things Ryan won’t tell me.

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