"I need to head out early, Nte. Something''se up."
Isadora kept her eyes on her phone as she spoke.
"So soon?"
Nte nced over, looking like something was weighing on her mind. She noticed Isadora still staring intently at her phone.
A knowing, slightly teasing smile spread across Nte''s face. "Alright then, don''t let me keep you. Go on your Prince Charming''s waiting."
Isadora opened her mouth to exin, but the words wouldn''te.
Ever since she''d given Nte that recording, Nte seemed convinced she''d asked Victor for help. If she ever found out it was actually Victor''s grandmother who''d pulled the strings, there''s no way she''d have epted it. So, Isadora had to keep it to herself.
After Isadora left, Nte''s mood visibly dipped. She''d been putting on a smile for everyone all day as the event''s spokesperson, and the effort was starting to wear her out.
She made her way straight for the lounge area, aiming for the nearest couch, when a man in sharply polished dress shoes suddenly blocked her path.
Nte looked up and instantly recognized him-Scales, that insufferable jerk.
He stood with his arms crossed, a smirk dancing around his lips as he looked her up and down.
Nte frowned, making no effort to hide her disdain. "What, you think you own the ce? Step aside."
Scales cocked his head, feigning shock. "Wow, been on your feet all day, huh? You look exhausted. How about I take care of you?"
Nte let out a coldugh. "You men are all the same-full of lies. If you want to scam someone, pick someone with less sense. I''m not falling for your act."
She tried to step around him, but he blocked her way with one broad arm.
"Hey, I''m talking to you. I''m interested-let''s at least be friends."
His expression all but screamed, "Aren''t you lucky the great Scales wants to be friends with you?"
Nte stopped, shooting him a withering re. "First off, I have a name. And second, I don''t make friends with Magnus''s crowd."
That set him off instantly. "What''s wrong with Magnus? He likes Isadora-a blessing for her, if you ask me! You should tell your friend to quit ying hard to get and juste back already!"
"Oh, really?" Nte''s lips curled into a sly grin. She lifted her stiletto and drove the sharp heel straight down onto his shiny shoe.
"Ah!" Scales yelped, hopping on one foot and clutching his toes, his face flushing with pain.
"You just made a big mistake! Don''t think you can get away with this!”
Nte just rolled her eyes. "Let me be clear-Isadora is with Prince Victor now. So do yourself a favor and keep you and Magnus as far away from her as possible."
With that, she left him standing there, still clutching his foot in disbelief.
Had he heard that right? Isadora-*that* Isadora-was actually with Victor?
***
In the underground parking garage, Isadora stepped out of the elevator.
A sleek, ck stretch Rolls-Royce sat parked in the middle of the lot, as if daring anyone to miss who it belonged to. The driver stood by the open door, waiting respectfully.
A driver? That was unusual. Victor never liked following the rules like those other trust-fund brats who couldn''t go anywhere without an entourage. He preferred to drive himself and fast.
Isadora hesitated for a moment, remembering the way she''d snapped at him earlier. Her heart pounded. Was he really nning on... doing it in the car? With the driver right there?
She steeled herself, then slipped inside.
The driver closed the door and retreated a respectful distance, waiting quietly.
Inside, Victor lounged in the backseat, eyes closed as if napping. Light cut across his face, highlighting sharp features and a rakish sort of handsomeness. His shirt hung open at the cor, casual and just a bit wild.
Isadora couldn''t help but sneak a few nces. She had to admit: Victor was exactly her type.
After a while, Victor cracked open his dark,zy eyes. His low, husky voice filled the car. "Enjoying the view?"