Page 217 of His Flash Mate
Celebrating Sophia’s accomplishments and this week’s big deals for Steele Corp.I’m so proud of her, my son, and myself for this amazing dessert I whipped up.It’s good to have company at home again.No dishes for me!
She’d captured some great moments: Konni passing me a plate, his gaze filled with appreciation and interest, while Mom smiled in the background, wine glass in hand.Another of the three of us toasting.Kaya’s homemade Cassata Siciliana, which looked mouthwatering.And one of Konni and me standing shoulder to shoulder at the sink.From behind, she’d caught him looking down at me, grinning.
The number of comments wasn’t only impressive, but proof her post had gone viral.All of Motan was watching.
“You’re upset,” Konni said, hugging me.“Why?”
“Not upset.Worried.”
“If you’d rather not go in today…”
I playfully pushed him away.“Your neediness is showing.”
He snuggled me tighter.
“I’m not worried about work,” I said.“I think all of Motan saw your mom’s post.If whoever’s targeting Mom saw it too, they’ll know we’re connected to the Steeles now.I know that’s the point of what we’re doing, but I’m worried that, if someone’s willing to pay for an accident and arson, what’s next?”
He kissed my temple.
“Only good things.Security here is tight, and when your mom leaves, she’s well guarded.If someone tries something, we’ll finally have them.Then you can shift your focus to what’s important.”
Knowing full well where he’d like my focus, I twisted to give him a dry look.His slow grin said I was right.
We were late for breakfast.
My gaze sweptthe crowd as Harlow pulled into the gala’s drop-off zone.Reporters lined up along the red carpet, ready to capture iconic photos of the guests.Most wouldn’t make the news.I knew mine would, though—good or bad.
“Ready?”Kaya asked as the attendants opened her door.
We’d strategized our positions.Kaya got out first as the distraction.Mom, in the front seat, waited for the attendant to open her door, while Harlow opened mine, allowing me to exit mostly hidden by the car and Harlow to avoid any unfavorable shots.
Harlow guided me around the car.Flashes and shutter clicks exploded around us as Kaya extended her hand to me.The three of us posed together.Kaya in the middle.Mom on her left.Me on her right.
A few reporters shouted questions about my relationship with Konni, the fire, and whether I’d slept my way into Steele.I felt Kaya’s hand flinch on my arm.
A car door slammed, and Konni stood beside me a second later.
“Your name and the outlet you represent so I can address your questions later,” Konni called.
One clueless man actually said his name.A neighbor elbowed him.
“Shall we?”Kaya said before walking me inside.
Konni escorted Mom in and I hoped he wouldn't stare at my back.
He’d loved the dress when I’d tried it on for him at home.A keyhole-style back exposed me from just above my tailbone to the collar.The front had a smaller keyhole cutout that stopped just shy of my nipples and was covered with appliquéd lace.The cap sleeves and collared neck leaned qipao, which I loved.It also nicely covered my mark.
We entered the gala’s main doors.The clicking didn’t stop; it only got quieter.
Classical music drifted through the room from an orchestra playing off to the side, where a small dance floor waited.A few couples took advantage of the space.
“I need something to drink,” Kaya said, releasing me and turning to Konni.“You come with me.Would you like anything, Sophia?”
“Please.”
She looked at Mom, who nodded and moved to stand next to me.
“Awkward,” I said softly to Mom, noting how many people were watching us discreetly as Konni and Kaya walked away.
