Chapter 3 Long Time No See

After Sylvia came back, my job got harder overnight. Not because the work changed, but because the mental load had increased. Like today, Grant took me to a charity gala, and Sylvia happened to be there too. She was the center of attention, dressed in a custom white gown, poised like a proud swan while everyone gathered around her. I was in the black dress Grant had picked out for me, trailing quietly behind him like a shadow that didn't belong under the lights. "Grant, long time no see." Sylvia walked over with a champagne flute in hand, smiling like she owned the night. Her gaze drifted to me, light and casual, but the judgment in it was sharp. "So, this must be Ms. Leavitt," she said. "I've heard that Grant's been well taken care of these past few years. Thanks to you." Her words sounded polite, but not a single one was sincere. She made it sound like I was just a temporary stand-in, nothing more than a caretaker filling in while she was away. Grant's arm loosened around my waist without him realizing it, like he suddenly realized how awkward this looked. People nearby were watching like it was entertainment. They wanted to see how I'd react now that Sylvia had returned. They wanted to see me embarrassed and lose control. I took a deep breath and slipped into work mode. I stepped forward, softened my tone, and wore my practiced smile. It mixed courtesy with a hint of envy. "Hello, Ms. Knox. I've heard so much about you from Grant. Seeing you today, I finally understand why. You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale. No wonder he could never forget you." Sylvia froze for a moment, clearly not expecting me to be so accommodating. Grant let out a quiet sigh of relief, and the look he gave me carried a flicker of approval. He probably thought I'd been sensible and hadn't created trouble. "Ms. Leavitt, you really know how to speak," Sylvia said with a smile, though mockery flickered in her eyes. "Still, some things can't be learned. Presence and elegance aren't something you can fake, no matter how hard you try." She was talking about my dress. Grant had picked out this dress for me himself. It was the latest style of the season. "Of course," I replied. I lowered my head and pretended to look insecure; my voice dropped to a whisper. "You were born with it. Someone as ordinary as me could never compare. I'm already grateful I can stay by Grant's side." Sylvia looked satisfied. She hooked her arm through Grant's and pulled him aside to catch up, strutting away like a victor. They left me behind with the other guests. Before Grant walked away, he shot me a look, silently telling me to stay put. I nodded obediently. The second they were gone, I turned and headed straight for the buffet. The lobster was excellent, flown in from Arboria. The black truffle cake was the kind that usually required a month's reservation. I found a quiet corner and ate calmly, doing calorie calculations in my head. "Elodie, you really have some nerve," a voice cut in, thick with mockery. It was Miles Hargrove, one of Grant's childhood friends. He'd always looked down on me and decided I was a shameless gold-digger the second he met me. He wasn't wrong. "Mr. Hargrove," I said politely. I set down my fork, dabbed my mouth, and let my eyes tear up instantly. "It's not that I've got nerve," I whispered. "I just don't have a choice. If Grant's happy, what does a little humiliation matter?" My pitiful act clearly disgusted Miles. He rolled his eyes. "You're hopeless. Grant's out on the terrace looking at the stars with Sylvia, and you're in here eating cake?" "What else was I supposed to do?" I lowered my head, tears clinging to my lashes. "I wanted to go over there and pull them apart, but I was scared Grant would get angry. If he got angry, he wouldn't talk to me." Miles let out a frustrated sigh and shook his head as he walked away. "You'll end up with nothing if you keep giving in. Do whatever you want." I watched his back and rolled my eyes in my head. Giving in? Please. I was working. And who said I had nothing? I reached into my bag and touched my phone. Just a moment ago, Grant had sent me another 100,000 dollars to soothe me. Looking at the stars? They could stare at the sky all night. Even if they decided to put on a live show of them making love on that terrace, I wouldn't mind. As long as the money hit my account, I could stand nearby, handing out tissues and cheering them on.