Page 257 of His Flash Mate
“Balak and I are hosting a small gathering next Saturday to welcome Sophia into our family, among other things.It’s all very hush-hush, though.If you wanted to take a holiday to avoid the Steeles once again being the talk of Motan, we wouldn’t be offended.”
“Offended.”Mrs.Hildcrask laughed and glanced at me.“If you’re smart, you’ll learn from this one.Humble beginnings, my ass.You were born to rule the Steele empire.”
Kaya hid her smirk with a sip of tea as Mrs.Hildcrask stood.“If there’s nothing else, I’m off to check ledgers and book a long overdue holiday.I’ll send a welcome gift before the party.”
Mom radiatedelegant confidence as she exited the car in her custom gown.Beside her, Kaya’s intentionally subdued dress made Mom shine brighter.
Tonight’s event—a charity gala for those who liked to show off their influence—required formal wear.I loved the creation I wore, but Konni in White Tie was stunning.
“Ready?”Konni asked, offering me his arm.
I took it, leaning into him just a little.After his rampage and my rescue, there was no point in keeping our distance.Not that either of us wanted that.He wouldn’t let me out of his sight for a second, and I loved knowing that.
We followed Balak and Kaya inside while Mom followed, making a statement in her solitude.
People noticed us.Mom.Me.The Steeles.Conversation quieted as we passed, making our way deeper into the venue.Balak paused by the bar to get us all drinks.
It didn’t take long for a woman I didn’t recognize to approach Kaya with a familiarity she didn’t return.
“Kaya, I can’t believe it’s you.How long has it been?”
“Ages,” she replied smoothly.“How have you been?”
“Well.The youngest is getting married this fall.And you?Any weddings coming up for your family?”
Her blatant question and pointed look at my hold on Konni visibly annoyed Kaya.The woman didn’t appear to notice, though, and waited for an answer.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, my father closed in fast behind her, saving Kaya.
“Sophia,” he said, stepping around the woman.“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?We could have arrived together.”
He wasn’t even looking at me.He was focused on Konni.
Charlotte, who was a step behind him, wasn’t.She was studying me.
I nodded at her, feigning politeness.
She ignored it and turned to Kaya, pointedly giving Mom her back.In return, Kaya didn’t even look in Charlotte’s direction.
“Mr.Elmantas,” Kaya said warmly.“You’re just the person we were hoping to see tonight.”
Dad’s eyes lit.“Oh?What can I do for you?”
She reached into her clutch for a party invitation they’d carefully worded “to welcome a new member to the Steele family.”I watched him open it, his expression both pleased and curious.Did that mean he hadn’t seen the one we’d sent via courier?
He glanced at Kaya, and I could see he intended to ask who they were welcoming.
Kaya saw it too.
“We’re very interested in TAS shares and would like to discuss acquisition terms if you’re open to selling,” she said, redirecting the conversation.
Dad’s gaze lit with excitement.He hurried to tuck the invitation into his coat and withdraw his business card for her.
“Of course, I would be open to selling to you.We’re almost family.”
Heads turned at Dad’s raised voice at the end.
Charlotte didn’t look as happy as Kaya accepted the card.
