Chapter 24

Vivienne swallowed a bitter pill of jealousy. ‘She’s my cousin.’ ‘Well, honey,’ Win slurred, his eyes glinting with a predatory hunger, ‘why didn’t you say something? Come on, introduce me to the golden goose.’ Panic bubbled in Vivienne’s gut. The last thing she needed was Win, a walking cliché of a trust-fund playboy, sniffing around Elodie. ‘Seriously?’ she retorted, her voice laced with mock annoyance. ‘I thought you were here for the free booze, not boring business deals.’ Win chuckled, a sound like gravel grinding against asphalt. ‘I know, but sweetheart, my folks wouldn’t be too pleased if I told them I saw Northstar’s new CEO and didn’t at least say hello.’ His gaze, like a lizard eyeing a fly, flicked towards Elodie, who was holding court across the room. ‘Single, is she?’ Vivienne’s lip trembled. ‘I... I guess. We’re not exactly close. She’s been out of the city for four years.’ ‘Then it’s time for a family reunion, wouldn’t you say? Besides, if we tie the knot, she’ll be fami