Page 183 of Mexico Can Choke On It
“Mr. Sterling,” he continues, “you’ve confused wealth with worth, and let me assure you, you possess only one of those things. Your presence is no longer tolerated at Casa Cashmere. Miss Von Cashmere demands you be ousted with great haste.”
She barks in agreement.
“Get your hands off me,” Reginald bellows, spit flying, as security escorts him out. “You’re a disgrace, Bryce. An embarrassment!”
I turn my back on his crumbling threats and give my full attention to Petra. “Are you okay?”
She raises an eyebrow. “You’re asking me? After you just incinerated your family dynasty?”
“I’m going to explain everything, but I need to handle something first. My father blindsided everyone, including Amanda. Two minutes,” I promise, lifting her hand to brush my lips across her knuckles. “Then I’m back to finish what we started.”
I don’t want to let go, but I do.
Amidst the wreckage of the ceremony, Amanda stands with a poise that defies the destruction around her, not a single hair out of place.
“I’m sorry you got caught in my family’s crossfire,” I say. “That ambush was unforgivable.”
“Apology accepted.” She steps closer, speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. “Honestly, it was worth the trip to see you finally put Daddy Dearest in his place. And I hate to say it, but getting dumped at the altar? Huge strategic advantage for me. I give it forty-eight hours before someone from Monaco proposes. Goodbye, Bryce, and good luck.”
She glides away without a backward glance.
I turn around and catch sight of Petra approaching Gavin.Her black leather jacket is half-zipped, and dark scuffs mark the hem of a once-delicate lace dress. Her lipstick’s faded, mascara smudged, and my God… She looks like a badass angel who strolled through hell in combat boots and kicked the devil right in the nuts.
I’m so far gone for this girl.
“Bro,” she starts, “I’m sor—”
“Don’t you dare apologize,” he says. “You were right about Fiona, and I didn’t trust your instincts. I never should have dated someonewho was cruel to you. You tried to warn me; this is my fault, not yours.”
She exhales, shoulders loosening, a flicker of warmth in her eyes.
“I got so obsessed with proving I belonged,” he continues. “As if marrying a Whitfield would somehow erase the fact that I used to deliver pizzas to pay Mom’s electric bill.”
“You don’t need some crusty old family tree to validate you. News flash, genius—you built an empire from nothing. You’re the reason Mom doesn’t work three jobs anymore.”
From the front row, Lois Brinkman watches her children, pressing a tissue to her eyes, her face radiating with pride.
“I’ve spent so long trying to be your dad, I forgot to be your brother.”
“I just wanted you to be proud of me,” Petra whispers. “I thought if I could play the part ofreliable office girl, I wouldn’t be seen as a failure anymore.”
“Let me make this clear: I’m proud of you exactly as you are—stubborn, brilliant, and a little unhinged. Whatever path you choose, I’ve got your back. And if you need tuition money, consider it done.”
“Oh, shut up and hug me before I start ugly crying,” Petra demands, throwing her arms around his neck.
He catches her and lifts her off the ground. “Love you, Wildcat.”
“Love you more, big bro.”
When they separate, Gavin’s eyes are locked on me. His expression is something I’m all too familiar with—calculating, targeted, and ready to engage in a hostile negotiation.
“Now foryou—”
“I know I lied,” I say, raising my hands. “About Petra, about leaving the company. I’ve been living a double life, and you deserved better. But I’m not sorry I love her. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
His hazel-green eyes—so much like Petra’s—studies my face. The gears in his mind are turning, weighing my sincerity.
Finally, he shakes his head. “Don’t waste your breath on me, Sterling. She’s the one holding the verdict.”
