Chapter 4
Emma twisted her Cartier bracelet nervously. “Claire, even though Blake says the necklace was meant for me, we hoth know it was supposed to be your engagement present. I’ll return it right after my concert debut. Please don’t be
mad at me.”
Before I could respond, one of Blake’s prep school buddies jumped in, his Harvard drawl dripping with condescension. “Oh, come on, Claire. Are you really going to throw a tantrum over a necklace? God, you’re killing the vibe. Is making everyone miserable the only way you can feel better about yourself?”
Another chimed in from behind his crystal whiskey glass. “And you call yourself a Bennett? What’s the matter – did Daddy’s hedge fund take a hit? It’s pathetic watching you obsess over the Sterling family jewels like some social
climber.”
They were Blake’s inner circle – the same blue–blooded elite who’d never accepted me, who’d spent years subtly undermining me while singing Emma’s praises at every turn.
“Don’t be so harsh,” Emma interjected softly, her voice a masterclass in fake sympathy.
“Claire just doesn’t understand Blake the way I do. But I’m sure if we spend more time together, all these little misunderstandings will sort themselves out, right?”
Blake’s gaze when it landed on me was pure frost. “If you’re so unhappy, why did you even come? What’s the point of showing up just to ruin everyone’s evening?”
I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the hardwood. “Fine. I’m leaving.” At the door, I paused and turned back.
“By the way, the guest room at your penthouse is ready. Though why settle for that? The master suite would be much more comfortable for Emma, don’t you think?”
Blake’s brows furrowed in irritation. “What do you mean ‘my‘ penthouse? That’s our place. And you need to fix this habit of storming off every time you’re upset. Is this how you plan to handle conflict after we’re married? Who wants to live with someone so dramatic?”
A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me.
“Marriage? Didn’t we just cancel the engagement party? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
Something in my expression must have alarmed him. Blake grabbed my arm, his grip tight.
“What are you talking about? Canceling the engagement? Are you really making this scene over a piece of jewelry? I said we’re postponing, not canceling. Don’t twist my words.”
My phone’s ringtone cut through the tension. It was Marcus.
“Claire,” his warm voice filled the line, “the designer wants to know- Mikimoto pearls or Harry Winston diamonds for your bridal tiara?”
Chapter 4
My mind flashed to the pearl buttons on his bespoke tuxedo. “Pearls,” I answered softly.
Blake’s face contorted. “What bridal tiara? Claire, have you completely lost it? Are you actually having a wedding dress made to manipulate me?”
Across the room, Emma’s hand flew to her mouth, her expression a perfect blend of shock and heartbreak. “Blake… are you getting married?”
Blake rounded on me, disgust written across his features. “Claire, let me make something crystal clear. I agreed to an engagement. That’s all. Don’t think you can force my hand with these cheap tricks.”
He leaned in close, voice dripping venom. “What’s your game plan here? Show up to the engagement party in a wedding dress to pressure me? Is the Bennett name so desperate for a Sterling connection? Or are you just that pathetic?”
I tried to pull free, keeping my voice level. “Let go, Blake. That dress is for my wedding it has nothing to do with
you.
Blake scoffed. “Your wedding? Who else would possibly marry you? Enough with the manipulation tactics. I’ve watched you try to trap me into marriage for years. Let me be brutally honest – I only agreed to our engagement as a courtesy to our families. Don’t push your luck.”
Suddenly, the private dining room’s heavy oak door swung open.
“Take your hands off her. Now.”
