61. Margot
61
MARGOT
I don’t like feeling out of control. I can handle chaos. I can handle high-stakes business deals, cutthroat negotiations, even last-minute disasters. Butnot knowingwhat Cassian’s next move is?Thatis a problem, and right now, Cassian Laurent istoo powerful,too visible, andtoo unpredictable. Which means it’s time for us to get ahead of him.
The executive suite at Perfectly Matched is tense as Grayson, Olivia, and I go over everything Cassian has set in motion. The walls of the conference room are lined with digital displays, one screen showing our projected expansion into London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo, another highlighting Perfectly Matched’s media coverage after Cassian’s press conference. The headlines still burn in my mind: “ Cassian Laurent: The New Face of Elite Matchmaking”
“Billionaire Investor’s Vision for the Future of Love ”
“ Perfectly Matched Goes Global—But Who’s Really in Charge?”
That last one makes megrit my teeth. I tap my nails against the glass table, scanning the reports in front of me. “We need to remind people whoactuallyruns Perfectly Matched .”
Grayson, sitting beside me in his crisp black suit, leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled. “Agreed. We needour names in the headlines. Cassian’s playing the long game, he’s positioning himself asindispensableto the brand.”
Olivia, ever efficient in her tailored navy suit, scrolls through her tablet. “I’ve lined up exclusive interviews withForbes,The Financial Times, andVogue Business. But it won’t be enough to justtalk. We need astatement move.”
Grayson exhales, considering. “We host an event.”
I blink. “A launch event?”
He nods. “A global unveiling for Perfectly Matched’s expansion. High-profile. Exclusive. Invite only the most influential people in business, media, and politics. We take control of the narrative by making itoursbefore Cassian can twist it further.”
Olivia nods approvingly. “That could work. But it has to bebig, something that overshadows anything Cassian’s done.”
I straighten, my pulse quickening. “Then let’s make it agala.”
Grayson raises a brow. “A gala?”
I lean forward, already forming the vision in my head. “Not just any gala, theelite social event of the year. A black-tie evening to introduce Perfectly Matched’s expansion to the world. We’ll showcase the new locations, highlight our most successful matches, and, most importantly, we control the media coverage.”
Grayson’s smirk grows. “I like it.”
Olivia taps her tablet. “Then I’ll start planning. We’ll need a venue, security, guest list approvals, and…”
I cut in, already knowing the perfect place. “The Grand Royale in Paris.”
Grayson glances at me, intrigued. “That’s ambitious.”
I nod. “Exactly.”
Across the city, in one of New York’s most exclusive rooftop lounges, Cassian Laurent sits with a whiskey in hand, watching the skyline. The private lounge is lit with soft golden lighting, the hum of low jazz music mixing with the distant murmur of conversation. Isabella Monroe sits across from him, her usual flawless poise slightly unraveled.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” she says, swirling the dark red wine in her glass.
Cassian smirks, but there’s something unreadable in his gaze. “Enjoyingwhat, exactly?”
She exhales sharply. “Stirring things up. Pissing off Margot and Grayson. Making yourself the center of attention.”
Cassian leans back, stretching out like heownsthe city skyline behind him. “I’m just giving the people what they want.”
Isabella scoffs, setting her glass down a little too forcefully. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
He tilts his head. “Why do youcare?”
She stiffens. “I don’t.”
He studies her carefully. “Liar.” Silence stretches between them, thick with somethingunsaid.
Finally, Isabella looks away. “Just… don’t get yourselfdestroyedin the process, Laurent.”
Cassian’s smirk fades for just a second.
Then, just as quickly, it’s back.
“Noted,” he murmurs.
But even as he raises his glass for another sip, something shifts in his eyes, because for the first time, he wonders if she’s right.