Page 172 of Unwritten Rules

James kept me in the loop of company operations after Evans kept secretly passing documents to me. He held out hope we could turn this ship around. Plus, the board could work to undermine Slyvia’s plan to dismantle the company.

If they were the loyal types.

“So, the progression for the developments in Switzerland are going smoothly? I think the marketing team should be doing more for the client experience since we have expanded to some other countries and need to dial in some messaging. The last few months look a little sloppy. With how strong things have gone up until last year, I’d say we’re at risk of some poaching.”

He rubbed his chin for a moment, taking in my words. “I can pass this along to Evans and the execs since your external meeting tomorrow is aboutothertopics. You’ve come a long way this semester from learning the basics of business to understanding some nuance in the company.”

I closed the file with a thump. “If I’m being candid, the things behind the curtain may be leaking into business as a whole across the board of families. Personal vendettas are getting hotter. I need to see what the Vaughns have been dealing with topside too.”

Dave entered the room. “You rang? I’m swapping with Reap for babysitting tonight. Mr. Vaughn is excited to see you at the party tonight.”

I wasn’t excited to see him. Since he took on an even bigger role for his grandfather, I kept him at arm's length. When we fucked that night after he gave me a bath, I promised myself no funny business after that.

A promise I wanted to keep to myself. For my sanity. Even though I kept breaking it.

The look on his face when I told him to leave again sucked. Like really sucked. But it was better for us both that way.

“I don’t want to see him. Tell him to avoid me, will you?”

He chucked a box on the table and laughed. “No can do. One, you’re not the one signing my paychecks. Two, I don’t care enough to. He sent this.”

I opened the box to reveal a golden dress. A floor-length gown with shimmering fabric that would make me stand out, not fit in. That was his message to me—stand out and show them who you are. “He must be out of his mind. I'mnotwearing this.’

Pulling out a cigarette, Dave headed to the porch. He called out “It’s not a request” before closing the door behind him.

My mouth fell open. Brent wasn’t serious,was he? A full glamor to wear to Sloane’s party? If I wasn’t on an immediate hit list, I would be in this thing.

I put it on.

The bodice was form fitting and accentuated my body. Beading and sequins were embroidered down to the waistline. Looking in the mirror, it reminded me of the dress I wore to the first party where he put me on his motorcycle. This one was a matured version.

With a full, flared skirt, I felt like I was wearing a waterfall of sunshine. It matched my golden hair.

The back plunged down and pearls dripped in a line down my back as the only thing that sat across my skin. A full open back with a line of pearls felt like his style.

But the full open back made me feel like there was an invisible target painted there.

I did my best with makeup after a semester’s worth of tutorials and Kelly showing me what to do. Full glam was my armor for the evening.

At the party, my breathing was shallow. If anyone paid attention, they’d see my chest rising and falling irregularly. Fear and anxiety could be easily smelled on me.

Eyes fell to me and fake smiles were plastered on faces. With my ‘continue as normal’ orders, I made fake friends all around and even fell into step with Sloane on occasion on campus. Lunches with fake friends and small talk was life for a while.

“Hey, bestie!”

I smiled. “Hi, Sarah. How’s your riding lessons?”

She gripped my arm and laced it with hers, handing me a drink. “So great! How are you and Alexander?”

“Mm, he’s still trying to take me to meet his parents.”

Being normal meant letting people think what they wanted about me. I loathed Alexander, but the narrative he and Sloane painted was that I moved on from Garrett to Alexander.

A narrative that wasn’t the worst to have since it tied me in with meetings about families linking together and the drugs they passed around. It allowed me to learn about my surroundings without being marked an enemy. Garrett was nowhere to be found lately and sometimes I wondered if he was all right.

Never getting an answer on what side he was truly on put me on edge, but if there was no sign, I’m sure that meant he was at least still alive out there.

“Baby girl,” a voice cooed from behind me. His hand firmly on my lower back. “You look absolutely divine in that dress.”

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