Rivals to Lovers

her family was monitoring her bank account closely, and

even the main issue now; she urgently needed a skilled lawyer and some connections to help her. After some thought, she realized her ex-

amily, she couldn't j

ivate cocktail party, trying to slip in with an older couple. She was dressed well enough to lo

e of the guards approached her, she quickly masked her

May I please see

forced an awkward smile, pretend

assistant, looked over and smirked at

him noticing her. She glared at him, wishing she could punch him squ

could make an exception?" She softened he

y unauthorized entry," Alaric said pointedly, clearly aiming

e as he blocked her path. "I'm sorry, but

Why couldn't he just stay silent? She wished s

eration, she stepped closer to Alaric, took his ar

ed, attempting to shake her o

he whispered. "

hould I?"

ou don't, I'll tell everyone here tha

, and he lowered his voice. "I told

t out loud, you'll be the laughingstock. I

e, they looked like they were sharing an intimate moment. His assistant, who had been with

rplexed as he obser

plus-one," Lena said swee

ion. Lena gave his arm a gentle squeeze, and after

please go in." The

go of each other and adjusted their clothe

, but finish it quickly and get out

was better not to push her luck today. S

needed to find. She soon spotted her uncle, Tom-a plump, middle-aged

guests while waiting for Tom to finish his convers

see her, his eyes dar

ges. How have you been?

for asking," he stammered. "Bu

ly. "I'm actually here to speak with you. Wo

m... not sure I can do that. I have a lot o

rhear. "Uncle, I know my family's situation is putting you in a tough spot, but you've known my parents

ned, not giving an

ll work for you, or I'll help you in any way you need.

o, no, that won't be nece

desperate. "I really don't h

inally spoke, "Are you se

ay that made her uncomfortable, though she tried t

, kind expression-one she'd seen many times

o loosen up," he said, clin

e willing to help me?

smoothly. "As long as y