Page 38 of Sinfully Yours

Ava stiffens beside me, but her expression remains admirably composed.

I lean in, deciding now is the time to come to her aid. "Careful, Vanessa," I murmur, keeping my voice low. "Your insecurities are showing."

Her eyes flash, but before she can respond, someone calls her name from across the room.

She lets out a slow breath, schooling her features back into effortless nonchalance. "Excuse me for a moment," she says, flashing Ava a tight smile.

I don't trust it.

I watch as Vanessa steps away, heels clicking against the marble floor, before exhaling quietly. "You good?" I ask Ava, keeping my voice low.

She tilts her head, her green eyes glinting with something unreadable. "She's exactly how I imagined."

I huff a quiet laugh. "That bad?"

"Worse."

Before I can respond, someone taps my shoulder.

It's James Langley.

Perfect timing.

"Carter," he says, grinning like a man who's had one too many scotches. "Didn't think I'd see you here."

I glance at Ava, reluctant to step away, but she gives me a small nod. "I'll be fine," she murmurs.

I hesitate for half a second before turning to Langley. "Let's make this quick."

Keeping Ava in my periphery the entire time, I allow Langley to steer me toward the gallery's side hall, away from the main crowd but still within sight of the party. The walls are lined with oversized abstract paintings—dramatic smears of color that look expensive without saying anything at all. Fitting.

I shove my hands in my pockets, already impatient. "You wanted a word?"

Langley's grin stretches, all confidence and easy arrogance, like he's already counted this as a victory. "No need to sound so thrilled, Carter."

I arch a brow. "I'm at Vanessa Chase's gala. Thrilled left the building an hour ago."

He chuckles, but his eyes stay sharp. "Fair enough." Then he leans in, his voice growing unbearably unctuous. "I'm looking for an investor."

Oh, dear God. "Not interested."

Langley waves a hand, undeterred. "Come on, hear me out. I've got a development project in the works. Prime location. Commercial space, luxury condos—big return potential."

I shift my weight, studying him with measured interest. "If it's so promising, why are you looking for outside capital?"

His lips curve, like he was waiting for that. "Smart man. Let's just say I'm looking for the right kind of investor. Someone with deep pockets and" —his gaze flickers toward the gala, toward Vanessa— "a personal incentive to see certain people lose."

I go still.

"Vanessa?" I ask dryly.

Langley grins again, slow and knowing. "She's been sniffing around the same properties. If I close first, she loses. If you back me, she really loses."

I take a measured breath, letting silence stretch between us. This is what I hate about Langley—he's always trying to play the game like he's three steps ahead, but he underestimates how much I despise being dragged into someone else's vendetta.

His gaze searches mine. "I know your history with her, Carter. Thought you might want in."

I roll my shoulders back, casual. Knowing people like Langley and how easily he spills gossip, it's best to appear unbothered. "You thought wrong."

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