The Billionaire's Widow

76

One Week Later

The night of the party had finally arrived, and Kiara had outdone herself—again. I’d been avoiding visiting the house all week just so I could be completely surprised, and walking into the finished space tonight left me speechless. It looked like something out of a dream. A modern-day castle—clean, sharp architecture with a monochrome palette of black and white, all framed by massive windows that gave the place an airy, open feel. The gold and black decorations gave the party an elegant, regal touch. I had a strong feeling Hailey had a hand in choosing black. That was definitely her aesthetic.

And, of course, because rich people can't do anything quietly, there were journalists. Flashbulbs popped intermittently near the entrance, reporters hovering like polite vultures, sipping champagne while scanning for gossip. Now I understood why Kiara had said, “Everyone will be talking about this party.” At first, it was nerve-wracking seeing all the media, but surprisingly, they weren't bothering me much. I stopped noticing them after a while, caught up in the joy buzzing through the room.

"She's really cute," I told Stephen when his date excused herself to the bathroom, her soft perfume still lingering in the air.

"I told you you'd like her," he said with a smug grin, raising his glass.

I nodded, sipping champagne. "So, are you going to tell me why you never mentioned to Kim that you know why she left you? I thought you said you wanted to help her?"

He chuckled, but his eyes were serious.

"She doesn’t need my help. She's probably halfway across the country starting a new life." I paused, taking another sip. "She quit."

Stephen’s brow lifted. “Really?”

“Yeah. Seems like he finally let her go. No fuss, no drama.”

We both knew who he was.

After learning Kim had been forced into marrying Logan to save her father, I’d been stunned—of course—but once the initial shock passed, I realized it wasn’t my place anymore. We weren’t together. She’d made her choice.

"As much as I don’t like her,” Stephen said, “I’m relieved she finally left that monster."

I nodded, letting my eyes wander around the room. Coralie and the other kids were dancing, spinning in circles with the kind of chaotic energy only children could pull off without looking ridiculous. I couldn’t help but smile. Kids really are beautiful. As promised, I did Coralie’s makeup tonight—just a little shimmer and sparkle, with her mother’s blessing. Cammy had begged Hailey for makeup too, but Hailey only allowed a red lip. It was enough to keep her from sulking.

I glanced toward the lounge area, where my parents were deep in laughter with Karen and Tony, their voices rising over the soft jazz playing in the background. I stifled a laugh. Old people, I thought to myself with fondness.

“Paige!” Amy waddled toward me, glowing and visibly further along in her pregnancy. I rushed forward to hug her.

“I’ll be right back,” Stephen said, giving me a wink before disappearing into the crowd.

“You’re late,” I teased, pulling back to examine her outfit—a white sweatdress that had probably been oversized a month ago but now hugged her baby bump like it had been tailored for it.