No pretence
747 Words
Chapter 8POV: Celeste Sebastian“I don’t see why I should call Xavier my peer,” I said with a faint smile, tilting my head just enough to meet Enzo’s steady gaze. “We’re not connected. No reason for me to pretend otherwise.”I could feel Enzo’s eyes studying me, as if weighing the words behind my casual tone. Today, I’d chosen to wear a simple white shirt—clean, sharp, no nonsense—to stake my claim in this negotiation. Professional, yet unpretentious. But despite the polished look, Enzo still saw me as what I truly was: a girl trying to make sense of a world built for everyone else.He glanced at me with something like softness hidden beneath his usual control. “Your father calls me Mr. Enzo,” he said evenly.I shrugged, dismissive. “And? You’re too young and… well, too good-looking for that kind of formal title. If I called you Mr. Enzo, wouldn’t that make you sound ancient?”His brows drew together in surprise. “Good-looking?”I chuckled, recognizing the unfamiliarity in his tone. “Yes, good-looking. You’re honestly the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”That got a real reaction. His mouth twitched, not quite a smile, but amused. “I’m good-looking, huh? That’s a new one.”Before I could reply, my phone buzzed sharply. Glancing down, I saw Kezia’s name blinking on the screen — no doubt losing her mind with worry.I waved my phone at Enzo. “Thanks for today, Sir. I’ve got things to handle, so I’ll take off now. Bye.”I barely took a couple of steps before his voice called out behind me, firm and expectant. “How do you plan to thank me?”I stopped, turned slowly, and caught his serious look—like he actually wanted an answer.For a moment, I pretended to consider it. Then, a sly smile curved my lips. “Dinner sometime. My treat.”Enzo’s eyes darkened for a heartbeat, unreadable. Then he simply nodded and watched me walk away.We barely knew each other beyond that brief airport meeting—no numbers exchanged, no social media connections, just this… curious dance of words and looks.I caught him chuckling softly as he turned toward a waiting Bentley.Liam stepped out immediately, opening the door with his usual respect. “Mr. Enzo.”That name, “Mr. Enzo,” felt different—too stiff, too formal. I preferred “Sir,” quiet and personal.Enzo stepped inside the car, pulled out his phone, and dialed, his voice clipped and businesslike.Behind us, the Jasons sank deeper into tension.Connor sat slumped on a leather sofa, fists clenched tight enough to turn white.The thought of handing me 26% of Alpha Ventures’ shares was poison to him. That extra slice could tip the scales and threaten his grip on the chair he coveted most.Viv paced nearby, muttering curses. “That greedy girl. Ten percent of Jason Group shares, trying to take over her own inheritance. It’s not possible—she must have some wild man behind this!”She jabbed a finger at Xavier, frustration spilling out. “Xavier, you said Mr. Enzo was on your side. So why is he helping Celeste?”Xavier’s face was tight, almost suffocated by his own guilt. He said nothing at first, then finally pulled out his phone.The call was answered by Evelyn, his mother, and her tone was sharp with disappointment. “Xandy, how could you do this to Celeste? You can’t just hurt her like that.”Xavier stammered, trying to defend himself, but Evelyn’s fury drowned him out.“You’re on your own now. We’re cutting off your cars, your credit cards, everything.”He slammed his phone down and curled into himself on the couch, the weight of his family’s wrath crushing him.The sudden crash echoed through the room, pulling Connor, Viv, and Clara from their heated whispers.“I think it’s time we leave,” Connor said stiffly.Clara hurried after him. “Xavier, I’ll come by when you’re free. Take care tonight.”Outside, Clara’s voice trembled. “Mom, they’re really taking everything away from him? Does that mean they don’t care anymore?”Viv’s glare was sharp as a knife. “That’s just to scare him, honey. He’s the eldest son. You need to stand by him, make sure he depends on you more than ever.”Clara nodded, though inside her mind was already spinning alternate plans
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