Chapter 22 - The Confrontation
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The gala was proceeding flawlessly, but I knew James’s fragile ego wouldn't allow him to simply observe my triumph from a distance. Later in the evening, while Luke was grabbing us fresh drinks from the bar and Mark had stepped a few feet away to speak with a colleague, I found myself momentarily alone near the massive glass windows overlooking the resort gardens.
"You have a lot of nerve showing your face here," a harsh, familiar voice hissed from behind me.
I turned slowly. James was standing entirely too close, his breath smelling heavily of scotch and bitter resentment. He tried to loom over me, utilizing the same physical intimidation tactics that used to make me cower in our hallway.
I didn't move a single inch. I looked at him with absolute, freezing indifference.
"This is an industry event, James," I replied, my voice carrying clearly over the music. "And I am currently one of the most sought-after designers in the state. My presence here is entirely justified. Yours, given your recent financial struggles, is highly questionable."
His face flushed a dark, violent red. He took a threatening step forward, raising his hand slightly.
Before he could even complete the movement, a massive hand clamped down with bone-crushing force onto his shoulder.
Mark stepped seamlessly out of the shadows, inserting his massive frame perfectly between James and me. Luke arrived a split second later, holding two glasses of champagne, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"Is there a problem here, James?" Mark asked, his voice a low, terrifying rumble that promised absolute violence if provoked.
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"You need to step away from my client immediately," Luke added smoothly, flashing a razor-sharp smile. "Unless you want me to file a public restraining order in front of every major developer in this room."
James looked at the two formidable men, his false bravery instantly crumbling into pathetic cowardice. He sneered, violently shaking off Mark's grip, and retreated quickly into the crowd. I took a sip of my champagne, feeling absolutely invincible.
