I spent the afternoon changing security passwords, freezing our joint credit lines, removing Hunter from my supplemental bank accounts, and establishing a requirement for dual authorization on any transaction exceeding five thousand dollars. Nadia formally issued an official notice stating that all future financial communication regarding myself or Hamilton Global Enterprise must go directly through her legal office. It was not a loud or dramatic scene, but rather the sound of a heavy door locking quietly from the inside.
At six o’clock that evening, Hunter sent me a short text message: Dinner on Friday is officially confirmed because your dad said yes. This is finally happening for us.
I sat at my desk and stared at those words until my own reflection faded on the dark glass screen. I slowly typed out my response: That is wonderful news, and I am so proud of you.
His reply arrived almost instantly: I love you, Kylie.
I chose not to send an answer back, realizing for the very first time how easily a calculated lie could wear the voice of someone familiar.
CHAPTER 3
By Friday evening, Hunter looked precisely like a man who was already spending money he did not yet possess. He had selected a private dining room at Laurent, an upscale downtown restaurant where the warm lighting made every guest look wealthy and the wine menu was thick enough to intimidate most people into overspending. He was wearing his absolute best tailored suit, a dark charcoal piece fitted so perfectly that complete strangers assumed he had been born into elite social circles. When I stepped into the room, he immediately stood up and kissed my cheek in front of my father and Nadia.
