Vanessa met his gaze and gave the slightest shake of her head.
Not yet.
“A pleasure, Vanessa,” Callahan replied smoothly. “Managing responsibilities can be demanding.”
“I handle burdens efficiently,” she answered.
Trevor, oblivious, launched into expansion strategies.
Vanessa was left standing alone.
Invisible.
Exactly as Trevor preferred.
The Spill
Trevor’s sister, Brianna, appeared in a scarlet dress and a knowing smile.
“White satin?” she smirked. “Bold choice.”
Moments later, her wine tipped—slow and deliberate—across Vanessa’s gown.
Gasps fluttered through the room.
“Oh dear,” Brianna said theatrically.
Trevor frowned—not in defense, but irritation. “Vanessa, clean it up.”
He handed her napkins.
The orchestra continued. Guests looked away politely.
