his gaze.
I had one foot on the first step up to the box, when a champagne chute appeared in front of my face.
“Basi dear, I saw what happened,” Lady Treena said, rage etched on her face.
“Aunt Treena, I didn’t know you were coming.” I blinked. How did they hear about this?
She waved a hand. “Hold my champagne, darling.”
I obeyed, grabbing the chute, more than familiar with this game.
The older woman jabbed at her phone, tapping her foot as she waited. “Timothy. Answer faster next time. Henry Gregorian. What do we have on him?”
She listened, and I ducked down, tossing back her champagne as quickly as possible.
“I want him out. Entirely. Within the hour,” she said. “Don’t disappoint me.”
Lady Treena hung up and hiccupped, snatching her chute back. “More champagne.”
I pursed my lips. “You didn’t have to ruin him, Aunt Treena.”
“No one draws blood from my goddaughter without being crushed,” she said. “Perfect rack though, dear.”
Bending, I kissed her cheek. “Thank you.” For talking to me after what I said in the meeting.
She rested a hand on my shoulder.
“I want Henry Gregorian gone,” a thundering voice clapped overhead.
Sir Olythieu snarled into his phone, cane gripped tight. “When do I want him out? Yesterday, Hannah. Do I need to spell everything out for you?” He hung up.
“What are you doing?” Lady Treena demanded. “I already ruined the Gregorians.”
Sir Olythieu replied calmly. “Not if I get it done first.”
He searched my gaze, and I did the same right back.
Exhaling, he took my hands. “Are you okay, Basilia darling?”
I gripped his hands. “Yes, but if you two have already ruined them, I’d like to buy their estate. It’s opposite mine. I can build a bridge over the road and see what speed I can reach on my golf cart.”
He kissed the back of my hand. “A wonderful idea. Perhaps redecorate the house though, darling. Gaudy new-money opulence. You know the type.”
“That little cunt.”
“Dame Burke,” I greeted, turning.
“Have you two ruined the Gregorians yet?” she boomed. When they nodded, she reached into her purse, pulling out her phone. “Thought so. I’ll humiliate them.”
We watched her barrel away.
Phew. Harriet just well and truly fucked her family. I was just going to ruin Henry for a few years, not for life.
“Champagne,” Lady Treena bellowed. “Bartley, help me find a filler upper. Poor people have no idea.”
Sir Olythieu presented his arm. I wasn’t fooled for a single second.
They knew the vampires were here today. They probably knew they were in the box right behind us.
My oldies just drew a line in the sand while showing me everything between us was okay. That made me feel so much stronger.
I ran up the steps, straight into Kyros’s waiting arms.
His quiet growl slipped between us as he stroked my hair, then held me at arm’s length. “I saw.”
I shrugged. “Yeah, she’s been after me for a while.”
He peered after my oldies. “It appears she’s been dealt with.”
His family was all here, aside from Francesca, but they sat watching our exchange in silence.
“Never fuck with old money,” I quipped. “They’re about as ruthless as they come.”
Kyros’s gaze was fixed on my knees.
“Tommy’s finding a first-aid kit. I’ll go sort this out.”
“I can handle it,” he said, nostrils flaring.
I shoved him gently. “I know.” He couldn’t. “I’d like to find her.”
“Francesca! What happened today? Was it a design flaw?” a woman said.
Cameras flashed.
Kyros peered over my head, his mouth tightening.
“Just an incident,” she answered, the anger in her voice plain.
I groaned and heard Rory’s groan too. That wasn’t the way to deal with the media.
Untangling myself, I marched down the stairs to where reporters had holed Francesca up.
“Miss Le Spyre! Flashing the audience. I’m certain they won’t forget that any time soon.”
Stopping beside Francesca, I wrapped an arm around her slim waist and cocked a brow at the man. “They’re real too.”
He chuckled.
“Can we take your participation in the show to mean the Le Spyre empire supports this label?” a woman asked.
Francesca tensed.
“Ornate produces sustainable and ethically-made clothing that meets and exceeds global standards in the Fairtrade Practices Act,” I replied coolly. “The designs demonstrate a left-turn from the fast fashion practices that promote slave labour and negatively impact the environment. While upholding those incredible values, Francesca manages to combine the trends of today with a classic feel that ensures women and men can wear her garments for years to come. Her work is nothing short of genius. Long answer short, I wholeheartedly support her outstanding label.” I scanned the reporters, arching a