Chapter 133
The move hit Tracy like a slap. Her eyes flashed crimson; she spun on her heel and herded the rest of the executives toward the elevator bank, jabbing the call button like it owed her money.
“Babe, put me down–I can walk,” I insisted, trying to sound brave.
Jared’s jaw stayed locked. “Quit the hero act. You’re hurt, so behave.”
“It’s really nothing. Only a quick stretch.” I’d never twisted anything to begin with.
“Mm.” Noncommittal, Classic Jared.
The next elevator dinged open. He carried me in. My cheeks went hot. This wasn’t a rom–com–getting bridal–carried through a Marriott felt ridiculous in real life.
“Let me stand. Just hold my arm,” I whispered, wriggling. He relented and lowered me gently, then anchored one big hand around my elbow,
I limped into the private dining room at half–speed, Jared glued to my side.
Tracy was out in the hallway, phone to her ear, voice sharp enough to slice bread. Couldn’t tell who was on the other end, but whoever it was, they were getting flambéed.
I tilted my head toward the noise. “Didn’t know Ms. Darwin had that kind of bite.”
Jared glanced back, shrugged. “Guess somebody pushed her buttons.”
A cold little rock dropped in my stomach. Does he think I’m the one pushing?
Tracy stalked back in, cheeks still flushed. The second she spotted Jared, though, she swapped the scowl for a smile that could sell perfume–confident, silky, the kind that said I don’t need anyone–except maybe you.
Every few seconds, her gaze flicked to Jared, wounded–puppy eyes on full display.
I watched the performance with the detachment of a bored movie critic. You used to ignore me, Trace. Let’s see how long
that lasts.
Let’s be honest: Tracy’s family tree had bigger branches than mine. But she was still shopping for a sturdy trunk to lean on.
Back in my own family tree, the roots are soaked in straight–up sexism. People still mutter about “carrying on the name.”
But in Hachester, I figured that rumor about them not caring about sons was just a rumor. Then I had Yvonne, and no one
Jared’s devotion to Yvonne was absolute. When she was little, he’d fly home between meetings just to watch her nap on his
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