Chapter 40
Chapter 40:
Jocelyn walked into the penthouse that evening, the keys and the black card in her hand.
Gaston was in the living room, pouring a whiskey.
“It’s too much,” Jocelyn said, setting the items on the coffee table. “The car. The ring. I can’t accept this p>
Gaston didn’t turn around. “Is the ring too small p>
“No, it fits perfectly. That’s not the point. It’s a pink diamond, Gaston. It costs more than my education p>
“It’s a rounding error,” Gaston said, turning to face her. He took a sip of his drink. “And it’s necessary. The press is already speculating about our elopement. If you walk around with a bare finger, they’ll say the marriage is on the rocks. If you wear that —” he pointed to the ring “— they’ll say I’m obsessed with you p>
“Are you?” Jocelyn challenged.
Gaston paused. The air in the room grew thick.
“I’m obsessed with success,” he said smoothly. “And this marriage is a project I intend to succeed at p>
Jocelyn felt a sting of disappointment. “Right. The project p>
𝗦𝘩𝖺𝘳e 𝘆𝗼u𝗿 𝗳𝘢𝘃𝗈𝗋i𝘁es 𝖿𝗿𝘰m.с𝗈𝗺
“Keep the card,” Gaston added. “Use it. Buy a new wardrobe. The clothes you brought from your old life —” he glanced toward her room “— they smell like fear. I want you to smell like money p>
“You’re controlling,” she said.
“I’m effective p>
“What about the car p>
“The Porsche is in the garage. It handles better in the rain. You’ll need it this weekend p>
“This weekend p>
“The Wolfe Hotel company retreat,” Gaston said. “Upstate. In the Catskills. I saw the schedule on your desk p>
“I wasn’t planning on going. I just fired the HR director. It will be awkward p>
“You are going,” Gaston said. “You need to show your face to the staff. Show them the new leadership p>
“And you p>
“I’ll be there,” Gaston said. “I have business in the area. I thought I might crash the party p>
“Gaston, it’s a staff retreat. Cheap wine and trust falls p>
“Sounds entertaining,” he said, a smirk forming. “Besides, I hear there’s a masquerade dinner on Saturday night. I look good in a mask p>
Jocelyn sighed. “Fine. I’ll go p>
Kieran sat in his darkened apartment, scrolling through Instagram.
A photo had surfaced on the Page Six feed — a paparazzi shot of Jocelyn leaving the Wolfe Hotel, shielding her eyes from the sun. But the focus was on her hand.
The pink diamond blazed in the frame.
Caption: Mrs. Mystery? Jocelyn Wolfe flashes massive rock after secret wedding.
Kieran zoomed in on the ring. It was exquisite. Rare.
“That old bastard bought her this?” he muttered, his mind still consumed by Aspen’s lie. “With what money? My money? The money she stole from her family p>
He swiped to the next photo. A Porsche Panamera waiting for her at the curb.
Kieran threw the phone across the room. It smashed into the wall.
“She’s flaunting it!” Kieran screamed. He was convinced Jocelyn was living a life of depraved luxury with some rich predator, funded by the shares she’d strong-armed from her family.
Aspen walked in, looking cautious. “Kieran p>