Treat You Better

Chapter Ten: What if it was Me?

Chapter Ten: What if it was Me?

"You should stay away from him," Hale said, when we were far away enough from Susan and Angelo.

"What?" I asked. Was he trying to give me advice?

"He's dangerous," Hale continued. "Especially for girls like you. I won't say any more than that, Violet"

I looked over my shoulder to see Angelo dangerously eating kebab.
"He's your cousin."

"That's exactly why I know him more than you. I'm trying to protect you, babe." Hale said, reaching out to brush some of my hair behind my ear. "People like him love to get anything they set their mind on, they have to get it, but not for any other reason than the thrill. After that, it's useless to them."
I shifted away from his reach despite how hard I tried not to and the look in Hale's eyes when I did was unfathomable.

"Mr. Frances," A man said, coming over to shake hands with Hale, saving me in the process. "I'm Jim from The Recents Magazine, would you like to say a few words about Feather Co. opening in Paris very soon?"

The reporter whisked Hale away and I was left by myself, fighting the urge to gnaw on my fingernails and wondering if anyone would notice if I actually did. What did Hale mean by what he said? I was smart enough to only take Hale's words with a grain of salt, but still. It takes one to know one, right?

"So you decided to wear my colors, huh?" Angelo's voice asked behind me and I turned around to face him, automatically placing my hand in that which he held out for mine. He was warm. Then I came to my senses a split second later and pulled away.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware of the fact that you owned black and sliver," I raised a playful brow.

"Ma'am, you're under arrest for wearing it so well." He quipped and I couldn't help but let out a laugh.

"Please don't be funny, I mean it," I pleaded, I was so nervous it was taking me everything not to break out in a sweat. "If I laughed I'd barf everywhere."

"Are you alr-"

"Violet, Angelo, Ms. Frances wants a photo for some big newspaper!" Susan called over the classy music, her loud voice earning her some looks from the fancy guests. She didn't seem to mind though.

"After you," Angelo gestured to the large group of laughing adults in tailored suits and fancy dresses.

Franca. I hadn't seen her since that night and despite telling myself I was ready to, I just couldn't face her again. She was glowing, brushing gold hair out of her eyes as she listened to a man with a camera crew and a microphone who was asking her a question.

"My sister?" Franca asked in reply, and like magic, tears sprung into her eyes as her lips trembled. I stilled and listened in close, Franca never spoke of Heather Frances-Sullivan, and often times, I forgot that my top icon, the brains behind one of the biggest industries in the world was blood sisters with her.

"This is what my dear late sister would have wanted. By opening a brand new Feather Cosmetics branch there, I honour her love for travel and love for the beautiful City of Love; because of her we have the opportunity to bring quality to the people of Paris-!" Franca cut herself off with a sob, claiming she couldn't speak anymore and Hans and Hale moved to shield her from the cameras.

Except the moment the interviewer left, her heartbroken expression fell off with a sniff, "how did I do, boys?" She asked, checking on her lashes in a pocket mirror.

"You were perfect, my dear," Hans Frances responded immediately

"So convincing, mother," Hale beamed at her.