Amelia cursed under her breath as she changed into a robe, her hair falling down her back. She walked slowly to the shower, her eyes closing as she let the water pelt down slowly on her.She had managed to keep her cool while Melissa was there, but right now, she couldn't pretend to not loathe the woman. Coming all the way just to gloat about being Coulter's mistake... it was an audacious thing to do.She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not hear the doorbell ring. She shut off the shower and wrapped a robe around herself, then got out of the shower. The bell rang again, and she stopped, then slowly turned towards the door. Her brows furrowed. Melissa? Coulter had been busy all day and had sent the usual bouquet he always did when he knew he wouldn't be around for the day.Could Melissa be there again, probably looking for another fight? Her fists clenched hard as she covered the distance towards the door and yanked it open."He isn't yours anymore!" She yelled, her voice la

Caleb was sitting on the couch in the penthouse, with Madam Gabriella going over last-minute preparations. The party was scheduled for Sunday night, and the invites had already been sent out. The catering was already ordered. An open bar? Check. Suits and dresses for he, Madam Gabriella and Melissa? Check. The fake necklace he had paid to be made? Done, too. Decoration? Furniture? All settled and paid for. The rented cars? Done.The only problem? The main guard had called earlier and demanded more money for the rent of the villa. Caleb had a total of eighty seven dollars and three cents to his name.He sat on the couch as he waited for Melissa to show up. He could barelt register all the things that Madam Gabriella was talking about, ranting about some vintage glasses that she had picked in the open bar option, and how it would be the first of its kind at any elite party. Not just that, but she had also invited all of the friends who had stopped talking to her because of the penthouse

Caleb adjusted his clothes, his eyes darting occasionally to Melissa as she typed away on her phone. He had given her the account number to send the money to, and he watched as she typed away with full concentration.His phone lit up with a notification, and he immediately let out a sigh of relief."I sent the five hundred thousand," she said, looking up.Her hair was haggard and pulled out in a few places, and she was in the robe she had worn earlier. "I will take care of the rest for you," he said, covering the distance to her, his hand cupping her face. "Just trust me. Soon enough, you will be the CEO of a fully public company. You will climb up to that platform and ring the bell. I promise you, Melissa."She nodded, her eyes darting across both of his. "I know. I trust you."He finished adjusting his clothes, then turned to her. "I am going to head to the villa now to make sure everything is fine with the decor. The sun is already down, so it will be quick. We can do a full check

Amelia knew she didn't have to dress up much. It was a plane anyway. But still, she found herself in front of her mirror, smoothening the pretty black dress over her skin. It was her go-to dress when she absolutely needed to look good, and right now, she hoped she did.Coulter was sitting behind her, his eyes fixed on her reflection. He didn't seem to be in a hurry at all, just watching, taking in every inch of her."You are staring," she said, trying her best to keep her voice stable and not betray the heat that coiled in her stomach."I am," he said simply, nodding like it was the most normal thing in the world. Without another word, he stood up, grabbed his shirt, and then simply put it on."What do you think?" Amelia asked, turning fully now, her eyes following his movement."Perfect."She smiled, content, then let Coulter grab her hand, pulling her out of the penthouse. They got into Coulter's car, and Amelia settled in, her eyes closing, her heart beating hard against her ribs.

"You are staring," Coulter said, his eyes fixed on his phone, a small, knowing smile lifting his lips.Amelia shook her head, then leaned forward. "What are you?"He raised his head, swiping away the text thread with Ian. Apparently, preparations for Melissa's ball were already done, and the guard had even received a message from Caleb stating that he would be bringing Melissa and Madam Gabriella to check the final decor.Funny."What do you think I am?"Amelia bit down on her lips. "I mean... you should probably not 9wn a private jet.""I don't own it," he said simply, even though his confidence had made the lie grow a little too thin. "You know the owner of the field we went to?"Amelia's eyes thinned a little as she leaned back. "You must be a good worker. Seeing how much privilege they give you."Coulter shrugged. "They like efficient. I can promise that."Amelis looked up to him again, then slowly nodded. "And the necklace? Did they give you money for that, too?"He shrugged agai