Chapter 23 The Banquet

Alicia Davenport The past few days had been absolute hell. Every morning, every afternoon, and especially every dinner, my father never failed to remind me to be on my best behavior at the banquet. If I had a dollar for every time he said it, I could have just bought my way out of this ridiculous arrangement with Nicholas. But no—here I was, forced to prepare for an event that would officially introduce my so-called relationship with that bastard. The thought alone made my stomach churn. I couldn’t stand Nicholas Andrieux. The arrogant, manipulative man had backed me into a corner, forcing me into this engagement by using Daniel against me. I hated him for it. And now I was expected to smile and pretend to be some loving, devoted fiancée in front of the most powerful businessmen and women in the country. How the hell was I supposed to pull that off? The day of the banquet arrived too soon. In my room, Cindy sprawled across my bed, lazily munching on almonds while watching me get