Chapter 13
Alison
I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Maybe I was being selfish. Leo deserved to know his father, even if that father was Lucas. Every son deserved to know their father.
My phone buzzed with a text from Victor: Hawkins-Black engagement party this weekend. I know you and Lucas have your differences, and I hate the man's gut, but the event will be lined with dignitaries, and it is an opportunity for us to network. We've both been invited.
My blood ran cold. I should decline. I should make up an excuse. Victor would understand, and he wouldn't push me to go. But in a dark corner of my mind, I wanted to be there. I wanted to see Lucas. So, I wrote: Looking forward to it.
God, what was wrong with me?
Saturday arrived with brutal swiftness. I stood before my mirror, smoothing down my emerald silk dress.
The color brought out the gold flecks in my hazel eyes, and the cut was modest yet flattering, professional with just a hint of allure.
I'd twisted my hair into an elegant updo, a few strategic tendrils framing my face.
"You look like a princess, Mommy," Leo said from the doorway, his eyes wide.
I knelt down, careful not to wrinkle my dress. "Thank you, sweetheart. You be good for Mrs. Richard tonight, okay?"
Mrs. Richard was our babysitter, and she'd been helpful, especially these days when I found myself being out late a lot.
Leo nodded solemnly. "Will you see Lucas again?"
I hesitated. "Maybe."
"If you do, tell him I said hi."
My chest tightened. "I will."
Victor arrived precisely on time, whistling appreciatively when I opened the door. "Stunning," he said, offering his arm. "We'll be the envy of everyone there."
The ballroom of the Grand Metropolitan Hotel sparkled with crystal chandeliers and the glittering jewelry of Atlanta's elite. Corporate titans mingled with socialites, everyone pretending business wasn't the main agenda of the evening.
I recognized several of Lucas's associates and kept to the periphery, nursing a glass of champagne as Victor worked the room. I'd almost convinced myself I could get through the night without incident when a hush fell over the crowd.
Lucas and Victoria had arrived.
She clung to his arm like a trophy, resplendent in a white gown. Diamonds dripped from her ears and throat, and her auburn hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back. She was beautiful, polished, and clearly born to this world in a way I never would be.
Lucas, though... Lucas took my breath away. His black tuxedo fit him like a second skin, highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His normally tousled hair was slicked back, emphasizing his sharp jawline and those intense amber eyes.
Eyes that were scanning the room. Eyes that found mine.
For a heartbeat, we stared at each other across the crowded ballroom. Something flickered in his gaze—surprise? Pleasure? Before I could decipher it, Victoria tugged at his arm, and he turned away.
I gulped down my champagne, wishing it were something stronger.
"Careful there," Victor murmured, suddenly at my side. "We need you sharp tonight."
"Sorry," I said, setting down the empty glass. "Just needed some liquid courage."
He followed my gaze to where Lucas and Victoria were greeting guests. "Ah. The happy couple."
"They look perfect together," I said, striving for a neutral tone.
Victor's eyes narrowed. "Perfect is boring. Now, come meet the Henderson Group. They're looking for fresh ideas, and yours are the freshest I know."
I allowed him to lead me across the room, focusing on the potential clients rather than the ache in my chest. This was what mattered now—my career, my future, securing stability for Leo. Not dwelling on what might have been.
For almost an hour, I managed to avoid direct contact with Lucas or Victoria, throwing myself into networking. I was mid-conversation with an investment banker when a cold voice cut through the pleasant hum.
"Well, if it isn't little orphan Alison, all grown up."
I turned to find Victoria holding two champagne flutes, her smile sharp as a blade. "Victoria. Congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," she purred, not offering me a drink. "What a surprise to see you here. I didn't realize you were invited to these events."
Several nearby conversations paused, heads turning our way.
I kept my smile firmly in place. "It's an amazing event you've put together," I said, trying not to take the bait and just do the networking that Victor said we were here for.
Her perfect features tightened almost imperceptibly. "I heard you moved from waitress to VP in five years. One wonders what... skills you utilized to climb so quickly."
Heat crept up my neck, but I refused to show embarrassment. "Hard work, determination, and actually understanding the business. You should try it sometime."
Her eyes flashed. "Careful, Alison. Remember your place. You may have fooled Victor, but we both know what you really are—a nobody from nowhere. Tonight, I become the future Mrs. Hawkins, cementing my place in this world. You'll always be an outsider looking in."
"I'd rather be a successful outsider than a decorative insider," I replied, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Enjoy your evening, Victoria. And again, congratulations."
I didn't need to look back to know she had her eyes on me, watching me with glowing hate. I handled her well without causing a scene or drawing unnecessary attention to us.
I turned away, seeking escape, when the clinking of a spoon against glass silenced the room. Lucas stood at the front, Victoria hurrying to join him. My feet felt rooted to the floor. This was it—their official engagement announcement. I should leave. I couldn't leave.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Lucas began, his deep voice carrying effortlessly. "Thank you all for coming tonight. As you know, this gathering was meant to be an engagement party."
Was meant to? The past tense hung in the air like smoke. He got everyone's attention, and I took a look at Victoria, who was just a couple of feet from him, her eyes fallen in terror. I secretly enjoyed watching her.
Lucas's gaze swept the room before landing on me. "However, I find I cannot go through with it."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Victoria's face drained of color.
"Lucas, darling, what are you saying?" she hissed, grabbing his arm.
"I'm sorry," Lucas said, though he didn't sound sorry at all. "But I can't marry someone I don't love. I never loved you, Victoria. It was always a business arrangement, and now even that has become untenable."
Victoria's face contorted with rage. "You can't do this to me! Not in front of everyone.
My jaw dropped. Why was he saying this now? He kept looking at me. Was this to my benefit? Was this why he wanted me at this party? Goddess, I wished he wouldn't involve me in whatever nasty games he was playing.
And then, to my absolute horror, he began walking directly toward me. The crowd parted like the Red Sea, all eyes following his progress. I wanted to run, to hide, to become invisible. But I stood my ground, chin raised, even as my heart threatened to beat out of my chest.
Lucas stopped before me, his amber eyes burning with an intensity that made my knees weak. "Alison," he said, his voice pitched low enough that only those closest could hear. "It was always you. Even when I was too stupid and proud to admit it."
"What are you doing?" I whispered frantically.
"Something I should have done five years ago.
" He took my hand in his, his touch sending electricity up my arm.
"I love you, Alison. I've loved you since that first night, even when I convinced myself I hated you.
Everything else—the companies, the rivalries, the engagement—it was all just a distraction.
You're the only real thing in my world."
I snatched my hand away, sudden anger eclipsing my shock. "Is this your idea of revenge? Humiliate Victoria like you humiliated me? Make your grand confession in front of an audience for maximum drama?"
Hurt flashed across his face. "This isn't a game, Alison. I'm trying to make things right." He moved closer to me and whispered to me. "For you. For Leo. I am giving you a reason to trust me."
It's a game! It's always a game with a person like Lucas.
"Five years too late," I said, my voice trembling. "You think you can just decide you want me now and I'll fall into your arms? After everything? You don't love me, Lucas. You love the idea of winning. Well, I'm not a prize to be claimed."
A shrill laugh cut through our confrontation. Victoria stumbled toward us, her perfect composure shattered. "You stupid, stupid man," she spat at Lucas. "She's bewitched you, can't you see? This nobody, this nothing—she's trapped you somehow!"
She lunged at me, manicured nails aimed at my face, but Lucas caught her wrist mid-air. "That's enough, Victoria."
"You'll regret this," she seethed. "Both of you will pay for humiliating me."
"I believe it is you who should be concerned about regrets, Ms. Black."
The deep, authoritative voice came from behind me.
I turned to find an imposing elderly man in an expensive suit walking slowly toward us, leaning on a silver-topped cane.
With a jolt, I recognized him—the man I'd saved from the runaway car, the one whose blood type had raised those strange questions at the hospital.
Victoria's face drained of color. "Father? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be resting."
"I'm quite well enough to attend what was to be my daughter's engagement party," the man said, his stern gaze sweeping over the scene. "Though it seems I've arrived just in time to witness the truth finally coming to light."
He turned to me, his expression softening.
"Ms. Alison, we meet again. I believe it's time we had a proper discussion.
"William Black's penetrating gaze held mine.
"My dear, there's something you need to know.
Something I've only recently discovered myself, thanks to those blood tests at the hospital. "
My heartbeat thundered in my ears as every eye in the room turned toward us.
"What is it?" I whispered.
But before he could speak, Victoria attacked me again.