Chapter 23
The car ride home from the party was mostly quiet, save for Nathan scrolling through his phone and their mother humming softly to herself. Vanessa sat beside her father, her thoughts swirling as she replayed the night’s revelations. Not only was her boss connected to her father, but so was Gabriel—or Alex—or whatever name she was supposed to call him now. The possibilities of where this could lead made her head spin. Her father, ever the strategist, would likely see this as an opportunity to pressure her into “getting closer” to Gabriel. As soon as they arrived home, Vanessa wasted no time. She waited until they were all settled in the living room, the remnants of the evening’s glamour still lingering in their outfits and demeanor. Her mother had changed into a soft robe, nursing a cup of
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