Page 64 of Sweet Ruin

My breath caught, and I stilled in his arms. I was trapped by his gaze. Confusion swirled through me as I tried to make sense of his words. What did he mean he wanted another chance with me? How could everything he’d done have been for us? Why did he even think there still was anus?

While I didn’t fully understand, the way Noah was looking at me told me he was very clear about what he meant and how he felt. He was looking at me like he wanted to stay out here in the rain dancing with me all night. He was looking into my eyes with the same adoration he’d had when we were together. He was looking at me like I was the only thing he wanted. And I knew I shouldn’t be dancing with him.

I quickly stepped from his arms. It had been one thing to agree to dance with him when I thought he hated me, but when he was saying these things to me and looking at me this way, it felt wrong. I was with Wes, and dancing with Noah was starting to feel like I was betraying him.

A flicker of hurt crossed Noah’s eyes as he stared across the space between us. He nodded though, and I knew he understood.

The music came to a halt mid-song, and all that remained was the drumming of rain across the ground and the muffled buzzing of traffic in the distance. Noah glanced toward the ballroom and swallowed.

“We should get inside,” he said. “You’re going to want to hear my birthday speech.”

He gestured for me to go first, but I folded my arms and nodded for him to lead the way. “You’re the one they’re waiting for.”

He hesitated but then started back toward the ballroom. I kept my distance as I trailed behind him. I didn’t want us to be seen entering the room together. By the time I walked through the French doors, people were already gathered on the dance floor in front of the stage the band had been playing on.

William stood on the stage, looking down at the crowd, a wide smile pasted across his face. He held himself with such arrogance and superiority it was as though he genuinely believed himself better than every other person in the room.

“Where’s Noah?” He spoke into a microphone as he surveyed the crowd from his spot above them. “Where’s my grandson?”

Noah bounded up the steps to join his grandfather, and William’s smile dropped when he saw Noah’s wet suit. He covered his reaction quickly though, and I doubted many in the crowd would have noticed it. I hadn’t realized just how wet we’d both gotten while we were on the terrace, but as I glanced down at my own dress, I realized I must have looked just as damp as Noah.

“Isobel, there you are.”

I turned to see my mom squeezing her way through the crowd toward me. Matthew was right behind her.

“What happened to your clothes?” Her voice trailed off as her attention flicked to the stage and she realized Noah was soaked through too.

“Don’t ask,” I replied.

Mom gave me a look that told me she had plenty of questions to ask but would save them until later. What had I been thinking, dancing in the rain with Noah. I was just grateful William Hastings hadn’t noticed me.

“We need to talk,” I said, turning narrowed eyes on my father. He was in serious trouble for not telling me the truth about this party, and I had a whole lot of questions I needed answering.

He swallowed and nodded. “We will. Soon.”

I wanted to argue with him and demand he answer my questions here and now, but William’s voice filled the room again as it boomed into the microphone.

“It appears my grandson forgot his umbrella this evening,” William said, and amused murmurs rippled through the watching crowd. As they quieted, William proceeded to welcome everyone to the party. He was clearly an experienced public speaker, and he came across as charismatic and charming as he spoke.

It felt like I was seeing a completely different side to William Hastings—the side he must have portrayed to most of the world. It was a side I’d yet to encounter, and despite the beaming smile on his face and his jovial tone, I saw his manner for what it truly was—a show.

He heaped praise upon his grandson, explaining to the crowd how Noah was a fine man of maturity and talent well beyond his eighteen years. To me, William’s words just sounded like another well-rehearsed part of the performance, but most of the guests seemed to be lapping it up.

“Tonight is not just a celebration of Noah’s eighteen years though,” William continued. “It also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Hastings Laboratories. Noah’s birthday has marked the release of the trust his father left for him. And as such, I am pleased to welcome him as Hastings Laboratories’ newest minority shareholder. Noah is the future of our great company, and I know he will revolutionize my business for the future. I look forward to seeing what kind of innovation he brings in the next few years and beyond.”

The crowd started clapping politely, and Noah smiled brightly next to his grandfather, bowing to his adoring guests. William wore a proud expression, but the fevered look in his eyes made me wonder if he felt the applause was as much for himself as it was for Noah.

“As you all know,” William said over the fading applause as he returned to his speech. “Noah has been—”

“Excuse me, Grandfather.” Noah stepped forward and placed a hand on William’s shoulder, cutting him off. “Might I say a few words?”

William frowned slightly at his grandson, clearly annoyed by the interruption. I thought he was going to outright refuse Noah’s request, but he seemed to reconsider because of the room full of people watching on.

William slowly started to nod. “I’m sure a fewquickwords would be fine.” I didn’t miss his emphasis on quick.

“Oh, this won’t take long,” Noah replied. He took the microphone and walked to the very front of the stage, leaving his grandfather standing behind him.

“I wanted to thank you all for being here tonight and my grandfather for such kind words,” Noah said. “And he’s right. I do intend to revolutionize our company for the future. But this is not something you will have to wait several years to see. No, in fact, I’ve already taken decisive and effective actions since my trust was released on Tuesday.”

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