Nte''s face darkened the moment she saw him walk in.
"What are you doing here?!"
Scales strolled in like he owned the ce, dressed in a blue shirt and ck cks, his swagger impossible to miss.
"I heard today''s your birthday. Not inviting me? That''s a little cold, don''t you think?"
Nte rolled her eyes. "Why would I invite you? My birthday has nothing to do with you. I''ve told you a hundred times-I''m not interested. Now get lost."
Scales was already tipsy, the alcohol giving him a little too much confidence tonight. He''d been chasing after Nte for nearly six months now, and she had never once given him the satisfaction of a smile. Not even a sliver of dignity. Well, if being nice wasn''t working, maybe it was time to switch tactics.
Women were all the same, weren''t they? Always saying no when they really meant yes.
Standing off to the side, Isadora frowned as soon as she saw Scales. Back when she was still with Magnus, Scales had always been the one friend she couldn''t stand—arrogant, a shameless flirt, and always quick with a biting remark, especially directed at her.
Scales caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye. His lips curled into a smirk.
"Well, look who''s here-Isadora. Heard you dumped my buddy Magnus and set your sights on Mr. Fitzgerald. That true?"
Isadora red at him. "Does it matter to you?"
Scales sauntered over and hooked his finger under the chin of a pretty woman standing nearby, making her blush and look away.
"I just think it''s a damn shame for Magnus. You chased after him so desperately back in the day, and now you''re running off to someone else. Doesn''t Mr. Fitzgerald mind being your rebound? Honestly, you should get back with Magnus while there''s still a shred of feeling left."
His words were cutting-humiliating, especially with so many women present, all eagerlypping up the drama.
Nte was livid. It was her birthday, and this jerk was determined to ruin it.
Isadora, her patience at its limit, grabbed a ss of water from the table, fully prepared to toss it in Scales'' smug face, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
Finley stood in the doorway, arms folded, leaning casually against the frame.
"Did I miss the opening act, or is the show just getting started?"
Heads turned-yet another handsome man had arrived.
In Capitolion''s high society, everyone knew everyone, but there were always different circles, rivalries simmering beneath the surface. Finley and Scales were no exception-Finley was aligned with the Fitzgerald family, Scales with the Wainwrights.
Of course, they recognized each other.
Finley straightened his shirt cor as he walked in, shooting Scales a pointed look.
"It''s ady''s birthday, and here you are making a scene. Real ssy, man."
He nced at Isadora. "And for the record, Isadora is family. I don''t appreciate what you just said."
Family?
Scales snorted. Back when Isadora was with Magnus, she''d technically been "family" then too—not that he''d ever acknowledged it.
Scales scowled. "Who I pursue is none of your business."
Finley nced at Nte, his tonezy but loaded. "True, but it just so happens the woman you''re after is the same one I''m interested in. So, what do you suggest?"
The two men squared off, tension crackling between them.
Nte felt a headacheing on. If only she could kick them both out.
Somewhere in the crowd, someone piped up, "Since both of you arepeting for Nte, why not settle it with a challenge?"
Finley arched an eyebrow. "I''m listening. What''s the game?"
The room was full of women, all eyes on the two men. Both were tall, handsome, each exuding a different brand of dangerous charm.
A starlet, barely hiding her glee, called out, "Whoever loses a round has to take off an item of clothing-keep going until someone''s out of clothes. Daring enough for you?"
Laughter and cheers erupted. The women were clearly thrilled, enjoying the prospect of flipping the script for once.
"Perfect!" someone shouted. "It''s always us women being ogled. Time for a little payback!"