Rejected by One, Wanted by Another

Dinner With The Matthews

The black sedan pulled up to the Quinn estate first. Adrian didn’t leave the car; he waited while Lucy hurried inside to change. She chose a modest, cream-colored silk dress that reached her knees, something she knew his mother, Victoria, would approve of. It was modest.

When she stepped back into the car, Adrian barely glanced at her. "Better," he muttered. "Looking like a scholarship student is fine for the library, but tonight you are a Matthews."

"I’m still a Quinn, Adrian," she said softly, clutching her purse.

He laughed coldly. "For now."

Adrian sat in the back seat with Lucy, but he didn’t look at her again. He was busy scrolling through his phone, his thumb tapping the screen aggressively. Usually, Lucy would try to fill the silence with small talk, hoping to soften his mood. Tonight, she sat perfectly still, her back straight and her eyes fixed on the passing city lights. She wasn't playing her part, and she could feel him noticing it.

“You’re quiet,” Adrian said, not looking up from his phone. “Did the scholarship boy finally run out of things to say to you, or did you realize that staring at dusty books is a waste of my time?”

“We were finishing the project,” Lucy said, her voice steady. “It’s important for my degree, Adrian. Not everyone has a guaranteed seat on a board of directors waiting for them.”

Adrian stopped scrolling. He turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowing as they searched her face. It was the first time she had ever spoken to him like that. He didn't like it. He reached out and gripped her chin, forcing her to face him. His fingers were tight, pressing into the skin and nearly bruising her again.

“Careful, Lucy,” he whispered. “You’re starting to sound like someone who thinks she has options. You should remember who is paying for your father’s medical bills and who is keeping your family home from the auction block. You are here because I allow you to be here. Do not forget that.”

He released her and shoved her face sharply. Lucy didn't cry or look away. She simply adjusted her coat and went back to looking out the window.

As they pulled into the driveway of the Matthews mansion, Lucy was surprised to see a familiar figure standing near the fountain. Zoe was wearing a shimmering cocktail dress, looking perfect under the exterior lights.

"Zoe?" Lucy turned to Adrian. "What is she doing here? I didn't know she was invited."

Adrian smoothed his tie in the rearview mirror. "She called me earlier. Apparently, she was feeling overwhelmed with the graduation thesis and needed a night out. I figured it wouldn't hurt to have a friend of yours there to keep you in a good mood. My parents are in state to talk about the merger, and I need you smiling, not moping."

Lucy felt relieved. "Thank you, Adrian. That was... that was actually very thoughtful of you."

"Don't get used to it," he said.

They stepped into the mansion, where Adrian’s parents were already waiting.

Arthur Matthews was a tall, imposing man with graying hair and calculating eyes. Victoria stood beside him, draped in pearls, her expression was as stiff as her posture.

"Adrian," Arthur said, shaking his son’s hand firmly. He then turned a sharp, questioning gaze toward Zoe. "And who is this? I don't recall seeing this name on the seating chart."

"This is Zoe Vance, Father," Adrian said smoothly, placing a hand on Eliana’s back. "She’s Lucy’s closest friend and top of her class. I thought she’d be a bright addition to the table, especially since Lucy has been so focused on her studies lately."

Victoria tilted her head, her eyes scanning Zoe of curiosity. "A friend? Well, I suppose a little youthful energy won't hurt, as long as she understands the importance of the business we are discussing tonight."

Zoe stepped forward with a perfect and practiced smile. "It is such an honor to meet you, Mrs. Matthews. Lucy speaks of your taste in decor constantly. This mansion is simply breathtaking."

Victoria’s stiff expression softened a little . "At least someone noticed the new designs. Come, dinner is being served."

They all walked to the dining room. As they sat, the tension began to build. Arthur wasted no time talking about the details of the Quinn-Matthews merger before the soup was even served.

"Your father is being quite stubborn about the northern land deeds, Lucy," Arthur said, swirling his red wine. "He seems to think they hold more value than the debt we are currently paying. You should speak to him. Tell him a sinking ship doesn't get to choose its port."

Lucy felt her heart sink. "My father just wants to make sure the Quinn legacy is preserved, Mr. Matthews. Those lands have been in our family for three generations."

"Legacy doesn't pay interest rates," Adrian said as he leaned back. "My father is trying to save your name, Lucy. You should be more grateful."

"I am grateful," Lucy said. She looked at Zoe, seeking support.

Zoe reached over and gave Lucy’s hand a reassuring squeeze. "Lucy knows how lucky she is to have the Matthews family behind her."

The servants brought the second meal.

"And once the merger is finalized, we’ll move the Quinn headquarters" Adrian said. He reached for his wine glass, his movements were suddenly uncoordinated. His elbow hit the edge of the glass, and the dark red liquid poured across the table.

It didn't just spill; it drenched the front of Lucy’s cream dress, the dark stain spreading across her chest and lap.

"Oh! Adrian!" Victoria gasped, pulling her skirts back.

"Damn it," Adrian cursed, looking at the mess. He didn't reach for a napkin for her. He just looked at her with disgust. "Look at you. You’re a mess, Lucy. My mother’s silk rug is going to be ruined."

"I'm sorry," Lucy said, her face burning as she stood up, the wet fabric clinging to her skin. "I... it was an accident."

"It was clumsy," Arthur muttered, not even looking up from his plate.

"Go change," Adrian commanded. "You can’t sit here looking like this. Zoe, take her upstairs. Find her something in the guest suite."

"Of course," Zoe said, standing at Lucy’s side instantly. "Come on, Lucy. Let's get you cleaned up. I'm so sorry, Adrian, we'll be right back."

They both walked upstairs to the guest room. Zoe went straight to the wardrobe and pulled out a garment bag. She unzipped it to reveal a red silk dress. It was beautiful, but as Zoe held it up, Lucy realized how small the dress looked. The back was entirely open, and the neckline dipped far lower than anything Lucy had ever worn.

"Zoe, I can't wear that," Lucy whispered, holding her damp dress. "Victoria will hate it. It’s... it’s too much."

"It’s the only thing here that fits, Lucy," Zoe said hurriedly as she began unzipping Lucy’s back. "Everything else is Victoria’s size, and you’ll look like you’re wearing a tent. Adrian likes red. He’s already annoyed; do you really want to go back down there looking like a grandmother? Just wear it. It’s just one dinner."

Lucy allowed herself to be dressed. When she stood before the mirror, she felt naked. The red silk clung to her hips, and the backless Dre made her feel incredibly exposed.

"You look like a queen," Zoe whispered, adjusting the thin straps.

When they walked back into the dining room, everyone became silent. Arthur stopped chewing, his eyes widened before he quickly looked back at his plate. Victoria’s fork hit her plate.

Adrian, however, didn't look away. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes trailing over the exposed skin of her shoulders and the low dip of the neckline.

"Now that," Adrian said, his voice dropping, "is a good improvement. Sit down, Lucy. We were just discussing the wedding guest list."

Lucy sat, but she felt the judgment coming from Victoria’s eyes.

She felt humiliated. Every time she reached for water, she felt the dress slip, and every time Adrian laughed, she felt his eyes on her skin.

As the evening finally came to an end, Zoe walked Lucy to the car while Adrian stayed behind to talk to his father.

"Lucy, wait," Zoe said, her face full of concern. She took Lucy's hands. "I am so, so sorry. I didn't realize how much of a reaction that dress would get. I just wanted you to look pretty so Adrian wouldn't be mad about the wine. I feel terrible. Please tell me you’re not mad at me?"

Lucy looked at her friend’s tearful eyes. She felt guilty for making her uncomfortable.

"It’s okay, Zoe," Lucy sighed, giving her a weak smile. "It wasn't your fault. Adrian shouldn't have been so clumsy with the wine. Thank you for being there tonight. I don't think I could have made it through without you."

"I'll always be here for you. " Zoe said, hugging her tightly.

As Lucy climbed into the car, she felt exhausted. She had been humiliated, stained, and exposed, yet she found herself thanking the people who had been there to witness it. She leaned her head against the window.

She felt the small paper Jonathan had given her in her purse. She closed her eyes and imagined the sound of a motorcycle engine in the silent night.