Chapter One: Tied Down

Celine

"The percent of sales recorded for this year increased to 75%," the sales manager reported in the meeting, gesturing to the projector behind him. "As you can see, it's a 15% rise from last year's figure."

"That's impressive," CEO Johnson said, clapping on the other end of the table where he sat.

I gave him a low glare from where I sat at the top seat, where the table made a bend, and the rest of his words trailed off.

"My apologies, Director," he apologized, clearing his throat.

The atmosphere in the room was silent, with every gaze in the room looking towards him.

Johnson was a headache. I would have relieved him of his job if not for my grandfather's veto.

I tilted my head towards Cain, the sales manager, and he continued the report.

"What drove the increase?" I asked.

"There was a significant return on investment from our marketing campaigns targeting the 24-45 age group. Also, our new product line, launched in Q2, accounted for 20% of the sales."

I clucked my tongue. "Make plans to sustain this growth and further increase sales. There's nothing holding us back from hitting a 100% sales target next year, I believe."

"Of course, Director Holden," Cain said, tilting his head briefly.

"Good," I said, my mouth twisting. Sweeping a glance across the room, I announced, "That will be all for today."

My secretary, Rachel, stepped forward to pack my files as I rose from my seat, and we both exited the conference room.

Our heels clicked against the polished floors as we walked.

Sunlight refracted from the bluish glass walls, which made up the entirety of the company's building.

The walls offered a panoramic view of the world outside, with skyscrapers ranging from industrial to residential houses, and the daily hustle and bustle as everyone navigated life on the busy streets of Boston.

The view was more encompassing on the top floor, which was my office.

The double doors of the golden wrought elevators parted upon our approach, and we walked in.

Rachel moved forward to push the button to my floor before retreating a step behind me.

I stood with my hands dipped in my pockets, assuming a confident and masculine pose.

"What do I have next on my agenda?" I asked over my shoulder, my gaze fixed on the wall.

There was this popular quote I loved: "If you want to beat them, join them, be better than them, then beat them at their own game. Emulate, innovate, and finally, dominate."

I was well aware that many of the executives were opposed to my role as a leader over them based on my gender.

That was why I was willing to prove to them that I wasn't incapable just because I was female, and the stereotypical belief that only men should be assigned superior positions was nonsense.

I could do better. I could do more than my male counterpart, and I didn't care about their sentiments.

"You have a web call in half an hour with one of our major suppliers. That will be all."

I arched an eyebrow, half-turning to face her. "Is that all?"

"Yes, Director. That will be all."

My gaze narrowed.

I folded my arms across my chest, knowing something was up. "Is he around, right?"

"No. He only sent in a message. You have to be there. And on time. You have no excuses to give this time. I've already cleared your schedules. That's what the Chairman said."

I scoffed. "He's got to be kidding me."

The elevator made a low bleep, and the doors parted.

I whirled around, my blood boiling, and stormed to my office.

Rachel was right behind me, walking hurriedly to match my pace.

I barged into my office and plopped down into my desk chair.

Rachel approached the stairs to my workspace, stopping at the edge of the dark, mahogany table.

"You're not getting out of it this time, Director. Your grandfather seems to be very serious this time," she said, placing the files from the conference room down on it.

I tsked. "Tell me about it. When has he never been serious? Return my schedules as they were initially. I have no interest in entertaining the old man's interests at the moment. You can relay that to him."

Rachel's eyes twitched at my response. She stood rooted to the spot.

"You can leave now," I said, firing up my computer and preparing to get to work.

"Not until you concede to your grandfather's request, Director."

"I already gave you my response, Rachel. Unless you're thinking of trading your position with a more qualified person..." I trailed off, focusing my gaze on the screen.

"Director Holden," she said with a plea in her voice. "I'm in a tough spot, please. Just this once."

"You should do your job well, Rachel. How many times have I gone on blind dates per his requests?"

"Fourteen," she answered.

"And what were the outcomes of each?" I looked at her.

"They didn't work out."

I twisted my mouth. Her words did justice to what actually happened.

"But..."

"No buts. Tell the old man to give up."

"I knew you'd say that," my grandfather's voice boomed from across the room.

He stepped out from the corner he had been in, listening in on our conversation the entire time.

I glared at Rachel, and she flashed an apologetic look at me.

"I'm sorry. He told me not to tell." She gritted through her teeth, her look apologetic.

"You have nothing to fear, Rachel," Grandfather said and dismissed her. "You may take your leave. I need to speak to her alone."

"Yes, Chairman." Rachel dipped a bow to either of us respectively and promptly exited the office.

Grandfather settled down on one of the plush sofas in the office with a low grunt.

"I knew you'd be thickheaded. You never follow instructions. How can you be a leader like that?"

I sat still for a minute, watching him.

He turned to glare at me, hitting his palm on the arm of the sofa. "You brat. Will you keep me waiting here?"

Huffing an irritated sigh, I left my seat to join him.

"Your instructions don't align with my principles, Grandfather. That's why I go against them, often."

"A good leader is a good follower. Leaders don't neglect the words of their predecessors. Leaders lead by example. How do you think to run this company if everyone is like you?"

I tried not to roll my eyes at Grandpa's clichéd lecture on what true leadership entailed.

"We all have principles, Grandpa."

"And what is that principle of yours? To be a spinster till you're in your fifties?"

"No. To lead this company to greater heights."

Grandfather hissed. "There's time for everything. The company thrived just well before I handed it over to you, and that didn't stop me from building a family. What if I hadn't had your father? You think you'd exist with your burning passion?"

I rolled my tongue in my mouth.

"You need to make space for love too, Celine. Everything isn't just work. You need someone to care for you and love you. You aren't getting older.

I have scheduled a date with you with the last son of LawOil. You are going."

"I am not. You should give up. I don't need love. I don't want to get married to anyone."

Grandfather sighed, rising to his feet with the help of his walking stick. "Then, you should give up too."

I furrowed my brows. "What?"

"Give up on Holden Group."

I leaped to my feet. "What? That's not fair!"

Grandfather ignored me, walking out of the office instead.

I shoved my fingers through my hair, hissing in annoyance.

Chapter Two: Heartbreaker

Trevor

"Let's break up."

Amelia paused mid-bite, her face whipping up to meet mine. "What?"

"Let's put an end to this relationship. It's over between us. We're done."

"Shut up, Trevor. You're only pulling my leg, right?" She chuckled awkwardly, putting her spoon down.

She realized I wasn't joking, and a frown pulled her brows together.

She slammed her palms down on the table, hissing through her teeth. "You bastard! You promised I would be different."

"You turned out not to be different, Amelia. I'm having no fun anymore. Everything is just too predictable."

She smirked. "Let me guess, you have eyes for another woman, don't you? Or you've already been cheating with her behind my back?"

I tapped a finger on the table. "One thing I'm not, Amelia, is a cheat. I don't double-date."

She hissed. "What good is it? You go about breaking hearts in your wake. I pity the next woman who falls victim to your charms, Trevor."

A subtle smile flickered across my mouth. "I know, right? I will wire enough funds to you as an apology."

She dabbed at her mouth with the paper towel, grabbed her bag, and stood up. "I don't need your money," she said, her tone clipped. "You can keep it."

My jaw twitched, a half-smile flashing across my mouth. "I'm glad you're taking this so well, Amelia. You've always been a big girl. It's a huge disappointment that we didn't work out."

"Yeah," she nodded, scrunching up her nose. "But you're wrong. I don't take this well." She said that, and in the blink of an eye, her wine hit my face, drenching my suit shirt.

A chorus of gasps erupted from the other patrons in the restaurant.

I swiped my palm down my face, feeling the wine trickle down to my stained suit shirt.

"Now, we're officially over, Trevor. It had been a nightmare dating you." Amelia glared at me and walked out.

I rolled my tongue in my mouth, sitting rigidly in my seat.

"Are you all right, Sir?" A waiter approached me, extending a towel.

I took the towel from him, murmuring, "Thanks," and made my way out of the restaurant.

I got into my car and zoomed off onto the highway at top speed.

I maneuvered the car through the gates of my family's mansion a few minutes later, pulling to a halt.

I got down from the car, throwing the key to the valet waiting nearby.

He struggled for balance with the key briefly, but I didn't bother about it. Instead, I charged into the house amid respectful bows from the staff.

"Welcome home, Young Master Trevor," the butler, James, greeted me as I walked in through the giant double doors.

James had been the family butler since I was a kid. He's years older than my dad.

If circumstances had been different, and he wasn't so busy, I would have preferred to have him as my family.

My brother included, perhaps. Dad was cool-headed too sometimes, but not Grandpa.

I would pick James over him anytime.

James' eyes widened when he noticed the stains on my chest. "Oh, my. Young Master. Did you get into another fight?"

I began to loosen the sleeves of my shirt as I walked towards the spiral staircase leading to the rooms. "I didn't."

"Then, what happened–"

"I need to get changed," I said over my shoulder, climbing the first stair.

"You should do that quickly. The Chairman wouldn't be pleased to see you this way," James commented, then he left for another part of the house while I climbed the rest of the way up, heading to my room.

"When has he ever been pleased with whatever I did?" I snorted.

I undressed when I entered my room, kicking my trousers out of the way and padded the rest of the way towards the bathroom.

I hit the shower, relishing the rush of the water against my face. I brushed my wet hair back over my head, heaving a sigh.

"It's been a long day. Quite eventful." I turned off the shower and walked out with a crisp, white towel wrapped around my waist.

Then I moved towards my dressing room, changing into comfortable t-shirt and shorts.

I slipped into bed afterwards, propped a pillow behind my back, and pulled the blanket up to my waist as I sat.

Then I surfed through my phone for anything interesting to while away the time before the torturous family dinner I had to endure tonight.

"Amelia," I recalled, scrolling down to her contact on my phone book. "Good riddance!"

I deleted her number.

The girl was a sore to the eye.

She failed to keep my interest long enough. I hated possessive and clingy girlfriends.

It was a nightmare dating her too. I nodded in agreement to her statement, tsking.

I exhaled, my chest heaving as I did.

A knock on the door jolted me awake.

I frowned, switching to the side of my face on the bed towards the door.

I was sprawled out on the bed fast asleep after hours of playing video games on my laptop.

Another knock, and James ducked his head through the entrance.

I sat up, rubbing a palm down my sleepy face and stifling a yawn. "What is it?" I grumbled.

"Young Master, you're getting late for dinner. Everyone is present, but you."

I hissed, the corner of my mouth twitching. "Okay. I will be there." I angled my chin at James.

James closed the door after him.

"You always have to be reminded of everything like a child," Grandpa chided as I joined them in the dining room, cutting through his steak.

I ignored him, pulling out a chair for myself and sitting beside my brother.

Mom and Dad were sitting opposite us, while Grandpa sat at the head of the table.

Mom, as always, looked regal in her outfit.

"Never taking responsibility but busy going about causing troubles for those who are ready to." Grandpa clucked his tongue.

I began to eat, chewing slowly.

"Are you not the one I'm talking to?" He barked at me.

Everyone stopped eating at Grandpa's outburst.

"That wasn't talking, Grandpa. You were rebuking me." I looked at him.

"Trevor," Mom hissed through her breath.

Grandpa glared at me. "Scandals and riling me up are all you are ever good for!"

He beckoned to one of the attendants waiting by and took the tablet from him.

He flashed the latest news headlines on the screen at me.

Of course, it's about me.

Infamous Lawoil Heir splashed with wine in the face following another breakup.

Grandpa retracted the tablet, handing it back to the attendant, who returned to his position.

"Perhaps it's a good thing you broke up with her," Grandpa said, dabbing the side of his mouth with a napkin.

I raised an eyebrow. Grandpa never supported my actions.

"You will be getting married soon."

"What?" That was Dad, echoing my reaction to Grandpa's announcement.

Everyone at the table looked shocked at the news, all heads turned towards him.

"You will be marrying the heiress of Holden Group. It's about time you start contributing to the money you love spending."

Chapter Three: Unworthy Suitor

Celine

Rachel stepped into the office with a sheepish look, minutes after Grandpa left.

I was sitting at my desk, tapping my temple while staring at the blank screen of my laptop.

There was no way out of Grandpa's threat.

Too many people would be pleased to see me kicked out of management.

I would rather grow eyes on the back of my head before giving them the pleasure of fulfilling their expectations.

"Director," Rachel called softly.

I turned my focus on her. "What is it?" I asked coldly.

She flinched at the annoyance in my voice. It wasn't meant for her, but I didn't intend to correct that notion.

She should suffer the consequences of her betrayal.

"I wanted to inform you of your meeting with Mr. Trevor Lawrence. I've emailed you the location and time. Be on time." Her throat bobbed.

When I raised an eyebrow at her, still leaning my head against my finger, she hurriedly added, "That was what the Chairman said. 'Be on time.'"

I nodded briefly, adjusting in my seat. "You may leave."

She stiffened her mouth.

"My schedules have been cleared for today, haven't they?"

She nodded. "The Chairman understood the news may come as a shock to you. That's why he ordered they be cleared for today."

"He understands nothing about me."

"You're in a bad mood, Director. And you're often cranky when you get in a bad mood. He would rather you didn't take out the aggression on the executives or staff. Hence, the motive behind his orders."

I sputtered a hiss through my lips, rolling my eyes to the side.

Hours later, I drove my car through the gated entrance leading to the canopied parking area of my condominium in Bridle Path.

I halted the car and got down from it, placing the car under lock.

My heels clicked against the polished floors of the driveway as I headed towards the entrance.

The elevator conveyed me swiftly to my private unit on the upper floor, and I stepped out of it into my suite.

I toed off my heels, feeling the familiar brush of the Persian rug in my sitting room beneath my feet.

My private suite looked serene. It was a contrast to the teeming atmosphere in the company.

I enjoyed both styles in my work and personal life. The contrast was my way of striking a balance.

After burying myself in meetings and calls all day, nothing was more soothing than arriving in a pristine and serene atmosphere at home.

I sank into the nearest couch, grimacing.

Today had been unequivocally boring.

I threw my head back over the ceiling, staring at the dazzling silver chandelier hung above.

I unwound in that position for a while before being prompted to get moving by the rumble of my belly.

My house help, Grachi, had prepared dinner before my arrival.

Her shift ended at six, so I always had to microwave the food before eating.

I hated eating cold food. I loved my dinner steamy.

She kept forgetting those details no matter how often I told her; I had given up on raising it again.

Her dishes were excellent, and I didn't have the time to search for another help.

I sat on the breakfast table set in the middle of the spacious kitchen adjoined to the sitting room, after microwaving my dinner, and ate.

I cleaned my dishes after I was done.

One more thing about me: I was a neat freak.

That added to the towering faults everyone had about me already.

I was mean, demanding, and cold as ice.

I was brushing my teeth when Grandpa's call came in.

Leaving the toothbrush hanging in my mouth, I walked back to my bedroom to get the phone.

"What now?"

"Have you noted the date and time you would be meeting with him?"

I rolled my eyes, releasing an exhale. "Is that why you're calling me?"

"You brat! Why wouldn't I call you to confirm when I'm fully aware of my granddaughter's nature?"

I twitched my mouth.

"You know what's at stake, Celine. Don't try to play any antics."

"I don't have to play any antics, Grandpa. The date won't work out. I bet he would be canceling first when he notices my personality."

"And what's wrong with your personality? You had better make things work out between the two of you."

I removed my brush. "Are you asking me to force a man to marry me?"

"You wouldn't need to do that if you worked on that cold personality of yours."

"And what if he's not my spec?"

"He will grow to become it with time."

I gritted my teeth, frowning. "Why are you being so difficult, Grandpa?"

"Now you understand how I feel. I've given you enough chances to make a choice. Remember what's at stake this time. You ruin the date and lose your position in the company. Good night."

The conversation ended with a beep in my ears, and I glared at my phone.

I walked back to the bathroom to finish brushing my teeth, attacking my teeth with vengeance.

I glared at myself in the mirror when I stopped, my chest heaving.

I rinsed out the foam in my mouth and spat it out, heading out of the bathroom when I was done.

"What's even the deal about that man that Grandpa is hell-bent on marrying me off to?"

He had never been this invested in matchmaking me off.

I grabbed my phone from the bedside drawer and got into bed.

"Trevor Lawrence," I typed into my phone. "Last son of LawOil and Gas."

I frowned as I scrolled through the reports on him.

"Playboy Billionaire... King of Scandals...Splashed in the face with wine...Fight in a club."

I trapped air in my mouth as I scrolled through the reports on him.

There was nothing pleasant about him online besides his numerous scandals and appalling actions.

"What is Grandpa thinking? I'm to marry this guy?"

I wanted to scoff. I couldn't believe my position was at risk for a man as unworthy as Trevor Lawrence.

"Is he kidding me?"

I itched to call him and demand answers, but it was already late at night.

I already knew what his response would be.

It would be some nonchalant excuse about giving me enough chances to choose a worthy suitor.

I blew all my chances, so I could only make do with whomever he chose for me.

"But seriously, of all suitors for your only granddaughter?" I rolled my tongue. "This is the best you can do? Simply ridiculous!"

I shook my head, putting my phone away and getting into bed.

Chapter Four: A Match Made in Nightmare

Celine

I glanced at my watch for the umpteenth time, stifling a hiss under my breath.

Trevor Lawrence was ten minutes late.

I contemplated leaving, but then he strutted in, adjusting his suit.

"I didn't keep you waiting, did I?"

I merely stared at him.

He sat up, clearing his throat. "I was held up..."

I held up a finger, briefly lowering my eyelids. "Spare me the excuse."

His brows pulled together with a frown. "That's rude."

"You are rude. Perhaps you've been getting away with this uncultured attitude of yours with women, but you should know when not to cross the line."

His frown deepened. He sat up, balling a fist over the table. "I had a reason for being late, and I was about to explain..."

"You mean give a flimsy excuse instead of owning up to your faults." I seethed through clenched teeth, my gaze unfaltering as I watched him.

He scoffed. "Faults? Don't make me laugh."

"Don't get me started either. We will be here from dusk till dawn if I have to start listing the faults you have."

"You're a b*tch." He spat.

I smiled. "Spoken like a true gentleman."

Silence hovered between us as we stared down at each other.

I raised a side of my mouth in contempt, not backing down.

Winning had always been my number one priority, and there was no way I was giving in to Trevor.

After several minutes of an intense stare-down, Trevor Lawrence broke contact first.

"You're one tough woman. You live up well to your reputation."

"As do you." When he raised an eyebrow in questioning, I added, "Don't act like you are oblivious to the rumors you are infamous for."

He tsked, chuckling softly. "You are not very bad. Dating you may not be a bad idea. I may not be bored."

I rolled my eyes. "Excuse me?"

I wished I had a choice here. God! My stomach churned.

How on earth could my future with Holden Group be hanging in the balance with a man like him? I wanted to shudder.

"Let's start with the basics. Tell me about you."

I was seething on the inside throughout the date with Trevor Lawrence.

Talk about an incompetent man with enough arrogance to fill the ocean.

I kept hissing through my breath as I drove back to the company.

I ignored the greetings of the staff, not in the mood to acknowledge any of them, as I stormed towards the elevator.

Rachel startled as I stormed into the office, her head whipping in my direction.

"You're back early, and in a bad mood."

I sank into my desk chair, gripping the edges of my table.

I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

"It didn't go well," Rachel said quietly, clasping her hands before her.

"Can't you tell?" I glared at her.

I lowered my head to my hand, my elbow leaning on the arm of the chair.

"Was he that bad?"

"Are you seriously asking me that?" I motioned for her to leave. "I need to be alone. My head is steaming."

"The Chairman expects a positive feedback of your blind date, Director Holden."

"Tell him whatever you want to tell him." I shook my head. "There's no way I'm getting married to a man like him."

"But, Director, what about Holden Group?"

I bit down on my mouth.

Grandpa couldn't be serious about his threat.

I knew he was only trying to get me to get married in time.

Marrying Trevor Lawrence would be a disaster. Not just to me, but to Holden Group as well.

Grandpa must have a good reason for wanting me to marry him, but however good the reason was, it wasn't worth the consequence.

"I will handle that." I flickered my hand at her again. "Give me space. I need to think."

"Alright, Ma'am." Rachel exited the office.

I rubbed at my temple, considering what winning points to use in my debate with Grandpa.

"Talk of the devil." Grandpa's number appeared on my phone's screen as it began to vibrate.

I answered the call, raising the phone to my ear.

"How was it?"

"Rachel will feed you the necessary update."

"After you've coaxed her into giving me a half-truth, right?"

"Please. She's on your side, obviously. She readily carried out your orders the last time in defiance of mine."

"Well, I would like to hear from the horse's mouth directly."

A brief silence then, "Why does it have to be him?"

"I'm out of ideas of whom else to matchmake you with. It's strenuous to be drafting up suitors every time. I'm drawing the line here."

"I'm aware there are more suitable suitors you could have drawn a line on than Trevor Lawrence, Grandpa. Is this a payback? And what?" I blinked, cocking my head to the side. "It's strenuous to be matchmaking me. I had to fly over to Japan for an appointment with a so-called suitor and arrive back in Toronto the same day to handle a business deal, which could have been properly wrapped up had you not interfered with my schedule."

"You may think you are the only one competent enough to resolve emergency issues in the company, but there were those overseeing its operation before you came, Celine."

"You're digressing, Grandpa."

"So did you, Celine. I asked you a simple question. How was your date with Trevor, and I'm getting a recount of your past experience as an answer.

Two can play this game, child. I may be old, but I'm wiser."

"I'm not warring with you, Grandpa, but you are clearly making a wrong decision with Trevor.

Have you read the recent articles on him? King of Scandals?

In addition to that, he's one arrogant man. I may have an aneurysm if I have to deal with a man like him, not to talk of marriage."

Grandpa huffed over the phone.

"Grandpa, please try to see things from my perspective. It's utterly unfair that I should forfeit my rightful place at Holden Group simply because I refuse to marry a man like him," I protested, my face scrunched in distaste.

"There's never a man that meets your standard, Celine." Grandpa grunted. "Find a way to work things out between you two. I'm only calling to warn you. I won't tolerate any slipup from you this time. I will set you up on another date with him–"

"The articles..."

"Those are meaningless. He will get over that when you are both married. You will be a positive influence to him."

My mouth hung open in disbelief as I listened to my Grandpa.

"What about me? How would he influence me?"

"I trust you, Celine. You're stronger than that."

He ended the call.

I glared at the screen, gripping my phone tightly, and hissing through my teeth.

I couldn't believe my Grandpa was willing to risk my future and the future of Holden Group for his own stubbornness.

Chapter Five: Breaking News

Trevor

I drove down at top speed towards the club downtown.

I raced over the highway, feeling the rush of the wind against my face.

Relishing the pure rush of adrenaline, I maneuvered my car through the cars on the road.

The traffic lights ahead were about to flash the red sign, so I stepped down on the gas, whipping past in a blur.

My mouth curved into a mischievous smirk, loving the thrill of the race.

The tires screeched loudly as I swerved off the road towards the path leading to the gated entrance of the club.

I didn't lessen my speed, zooming past the gates and pulling to a halt at the VIP entrance to the club.

A valet in a suit rushed towards me to take my car. "Welcome, Mr. Lawrence."

He bowed politely, taking the keys from me.

I could already hear the pulsating beat of the music in the club from the entrance as I walked through it.

Disco lights cast a kaleidoscope of colors over the walls and everywhere in the dimly lit room.

Everyone dancing on the stage was a blur of purple and several other colors, their bodies rocking to the fast, rock and roll music playing.

I angled my way towards my booth. Within a few minutes, my table was filled with my order.

I leaned comfortably into my seat, raising a bottle of liquor to my mouth and chugging its contents down my throat.

I attuned myself to the jazz of the music, feeling the vibration thrumming in the space thrumming down my veins.

I watched the gyrating bodies on the stage, getting myself wrapped in the ambiance.

The strong smell of liquor, cigars, and sweaty bodies wafted through my nose as the air shifted.

My body stilled when a pair of slender fingers settled on my shoulders.

The smell of an exotic women's perfume that had been overused by its owner accompanied it, and I tilted my head up to see who it was.

A mass of curly brown hair fell over my shoulders as the woman towered over my face, her mouth lacing itself with mine.

I wiped her lipstick off my mouth with my thumb after she moved away, gliding off to seat on the opposite side of the booth chair.

Her eyes flashed with a mischievous grin as she sat. Her boobs seemed to spill out of her dress, and she generously revealed more of that with her posture as she sat.

"What was that?" I demanded, rubbing the lipstick on my thumb against my index finger.

It still adhered, so I fished out my handkerchief and wiped it clean.

"Don't be coy, Trevor. I heard you are back on the market."

I cupped a corner of my mouth, narrowing my gaze. "Do I know you?"

"Rihanna," she introduced, extending her hand forward. "That's my name."

"You're very bold for an escort."

Her eyes flashed with annoyance. "What? Do I look like an escort to you?"

I appraised her look, fixing my gaze on her ample boobs. "Yes."

Her cheek twitched. "You are a bastard!"

"Why don't you sashay off as you've come? I don't do bitches like you."

She stomped to her feet, her face contorted in annoyance. "You will regret this. You don't know who my father is."

I snorted. "Oh! Daddy's girl." I furrowed my brows in mockery, mimicking fear. "I'm wetting my pants here." Then, with a blank face, I growled, "Get lost!"

Her hands balled into fists at her sides, and she stormed away.

I watched her leave, observing that she wasn't here alone. She was here with friends.

I clucked my tongue and tipped the bottle back over my mouth.

Someone slapped me hard on the back, and I wanted to curse at the person when I turned.

"Man!" Matt was grinning like an idiot as he got into the booth with Eric.

"I almost choked. What was that?" I glared at him, although I wasn't pissed as I ought to have been at him.

Matt and Eric were my chill buddies. We had been best friends from college and were often regarded as birds of the same feather.

We could have been triplets with our personalities if not for the difference in looks and family backgrounds.

Matt was the second son of the Chairman of JK Law Firm, a prestigious law firm in Toronto, while Eric was the son of Assemblyman Salvatore.

"You are remorseless, dude," Eric answered, ignoring my remark. "You just broke another babe's heart." He gestured his chin towards the direction Rihanna had left.

"Just within three days," Matt indicated with his fingers. He helped himself to one of the bottles on the table, uncorking it.

"Those are my orders," I hissed.

"Have you added stinginess to breaking hearts?" Eric teased, grabbing another bottle for himself and drinking.

"Why didn't you tell us you were around?" Matt asked, placing his bottle down on the table, but not relinquishing his hold on it.

"We wouldn't have known if we hadn't seen that girl?" Eric said. "Your signature trails you everywhere."

"Did you tell me you were here either? You were content to have fun without me?"

"So, you knew we were around and you still chose another table?" Matt scoffed in disbelief.

"Is it the breakup?" Eric asked. "You're unusually cranky today."

Matt sputtered a hiss, angling his bottle toward me. "When has Trevor never been angry? He's a walking mass of fury."

"And heartbreaks," Eric added, and the two laughed heartily.

"Are you done making fun of me?" I asked them grimly.

Matt hiccuped on his laugh, waving a finger while he caught his breath.

On a serious note, Eric looked at me. "What's wrong? You're unusually moody today. It's strange."

"I'm not. I'm not just in the mood."

My mood had just clouded within the minutes I stepped into the restaurant.

Eric was right. My current temperament was strange.

Rather than being annoyed at Rihanna's coquetry, I would have flirted right back with her.

Hell! We would have gotten a room by now.

I wasn't much for talk when it came to bimbos. Actions spoke louder than words, and that's why, despite my reputation, bitches kept craving my company.

They would do anything to be the next in line after whoever I was dating was out of the way.

"Maybe I should race." I murmured under my breath.

I enjoyed the rush of the breeze while I drove down here better than now.

My mood didn't seem to align with the environment today. I didn't feel the usual exhilaration chilling here often evoked within me.

"Nonsense! You just don't want to talk about it," Matt said, brushing his fingers dismissively in the air. "Guess what?" He leaned closer. "The media already beat you to it."

I furrowed my brows. "What?"

"Here. Look." Matt scrolled through his phone and flashed the news page to me and Eric.

"LawOil and Gas Heir Trevor Lawrence to Marry Holden Group Heiress Celine Holden," Matt read out the headline.

Eric sucked in the air in surprise. "Really?"

I was stunned.

"That's crap!" I hissed, hitting my palm on the table.