Juliette Weaver finally saw through Gunner Bryant's bullshit—every last lie. She didn't waste another breath on him and ended the call, her love for him now matched only by the depth of her pain.
At eight that evening, after catching up with a few lawyer friends, Juliette came home to find Gunner's car parked outside. The second she walked in, she spotted her mother, Paulina, chatting away with him like they were old pals.
"Oh! Juliette, you're back!"
Paulina pulled her over to Gunner, all smiles. "Gunner brought a lawyer. He says there's a real chance your father can be saved! I'm so relieved. Now that you're here, spend some time with him. He's planning to take you to meet Christopher Bryant later!"
Paulina practically pushed Juliette down next to Gunner. Juliette realized then that Gunner had slyly used her mother as a weapon. She locked eyes with his smug face and snatched a moment when Paulina went into the kitchen for coffee. "You're using my mom to manipulate me? Is there no end to your arrogance?"
"If you're so upset, why don't you just tell your mom yourself?" Gunner smirked, voice low and taunting. "Remember, she's battling depression. You really want to risk pushing her over the edge?"
Juliette fisted the fabric of her dress, knuckles turning bone white, barely forcing herself still as Paulina bustled back with a tray of spiced honey cake.
"Sweetheart, it's getting late! Juliette and I should head out to meet Uncle Christopher—can't keep him waiting," Gunner announced, not even glancing at Juliette for approval. He grabbed her hand tight and yanked her up from the sofa.
Paulina looked thrilled. "Go on! Juliette, it's your first time meeting the Bryants. Make a good impression, and don't embarrass Gunner, okay?"
The air in the room felt thick; Juliette couldn't breathe. She wanted to tear her hand out of Gunner's grip, but the thought of hurting her mother's heart held her back.
Once outside, Gunner shoved her into his car without ceremony. He glanced up at the house, satisfaction written all over his face. "See? I'm your mom's favorite future son-in-law. As long as I keep this little act up, she might just hand you over to me on a silver platter."
Juliette's stomach dropped. "You're disgusting."
Gunner laughed, that ugly, dismissive sound. "I thought I was your 'darling'?" He floored the gas and sped toward their destination.
When they arrived, he practically dragged her out and shoved a skimpy dress from the backseat into her hands, ordering her to change in the ladies' room.
Meanwhile, inside a private room, Christopher Bryant nursed a whiskey, eyes fixed on the security feed showing the entrance to the women's restroom. His assistant, Everlee Richardson, hovered nearby. "Mr. Bryant, Gunner Bryant's outside. He's the one who helped catch the hit-and-run driver last night. Shall I let him know you're ready to see him?"
Christopher narrowed his gaze at the monitor, taking a slow sip. "Which room?"
"The Royal VIP Lounge. He says he'll wait there until you decide to see him," Everlee answered.
Christopher raised an eyebrow, set his glass down with a soft clink, and pointed at the screen. "Dragging a woman around like she's some rag doll—did he forget he has a mother? Seems a bit rough, don't you think?"
Everlee blinked, noticing for the first time the footage of Gunner yanking Juliette down the hall.
Juliette stepped out moments later in that daring little number, the skimpy dress hugging every curve, her smooth back on full display and those long, elegant legs accentuated by a high slit. With those heels, she was a total head-turner.
Gunner led her to the lounge door. Just as it swung open, a voice came from behind—one she knew too well.
"Ms. Weaver. What a surprise."
Juliette's heart flat-out stopped.
That voice. It was the male escort!
Before she could whip around, Christopher's tall figure was already there, that subtle woodsy scent wrapping around her. "Dressed like that? Don’t tell me your asshole boss has you drinking with clients again."
