Jaxson's mocking laugh echoed through the hall, instantly cutting through the murmuring and noise of the assembled guests. He raised a hand, pointing a finger straight at Julian, who stood a few paces away near the velvet drapery."What do you think, huh? Why do you think that idiot is all over you?" Jaxson sneered, his eyes locking onto Cynthia.Julian’s expression darkened instantly. He frowned, but he didn't say a single word. He stood his ground, forced to swallow the harsh insult in silence while the eyes of the wealthy attendees flicked briefly in his direction.Jaxson took a deliberate step closer, smoothing down the front of his custom designer suit jacket with an insufferable smirk. "That idiot from Vance Corporation is dragging himself around you for one simple reason. I’m in the middle of setting up a billion-dollar contract to invest with them. But there's a catch…it only happens if you agree to be my girlfriend. That’s it. That is the whole reason they are throwing this

Ethan raised a single finger, pointing it casually in Jaxson's face. "Oh, and yeah, just to clear things up, Cynthia and I aren't breaking up. So, you and your delusional ass can walk on out of here right now."Jaxson'sface twitched with annoyance. He held up a hand, scoffing loudly as he cut Ethan off mid-sentence. "Shh! Shut up. Just shut your mouth already. I am done talking to a broke, clueless nobody like you. It's time to deal with the real person in charge here."Jaxson turned his back on Ethan entirely, ignoring him as if he didn't even exist. He flashed a wide, dazzling smile and stepped straight toward Cynthia’s mother, who was watching from a few feet away."Samantha! Honey! Darling!" Jaxson called out, his voice instantly dropping into a smooth, overly affectionate tone. "How are you doing, huh? It is always so good to see you!"Samantha’s face lit up, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks as she adjusted her hair. "Oh! Jackson! It’s lovely to see you too, Jackson! You