From His Puppy to His Brother’s Diamond Chapter 05
Claire’s POV
Lily clicks toward me, looking smug as hell.
“Claire. What’s it been, a year? I heard you ended up
at USC. How’d you wind up working the registration desk?” She makes a show of adjusting the diamond bracelet on her wrist. “Ethan’s one of the guest speakers today, you know. If you’re that strapped for cash, you could’ve just asked. He’s got plenty to spare.”
1 glance at the guy next to her. Middle–aged, overweight, obviously new money. One of those
New York construction supply vendors Ethan’s been sucking up to for funding.
“Lily. What’s it been, a year? You’re better at social climbing now. Shame about your taste, though.”
Her face goes stiff. Voice turns shrill. “Don’t get cute
with me, Claire. You’re just jealous. Thought you were too good for us? And here you are, working check–in at our event.”
Ethan finally steps forward. His eyes lock onto mine, anger mixed with something possessive.
“Claire, you ran off without a word just to end up do- ing this?” His jaw clenches. “Apologize. Come back to New York. We can forget this whole thing happened.”
Looking at him now, the guy I used to pour everything throat. into, disgust rises in my
“Ethan, did you hit your head or something?” I slap the guest list down on the table. “Open your eyes. I’m on the core project team for this forum. I’m here for the top architects and investors. You two? You don’t even qualify for the main hall. Best you’ll get is a folding chair in the sponsor section. Come back to New York with you? You serious?”
“You-” He flinches. This past year at NYU hasn’t been kind. Dominic’s been tightening the screws on him in business, and now everyone in their circle knows ex- actly what he is. A bastard son pretending to be some- one. He came here hoping to feel superior for once.
Instead, I just called him out in front of everyone.
“You’re really pushing it, Claire.” Ethan lunges forward, reaching for my wrist. “You’re coming with me today whether you like it or not.”
Igrab the glass of ice water off the table and throw it in his face.
Water streams down his hair, ruining whatever he did to it this morning.
“That wake you up?” I look down at him. “If not, security can help you out.
“Ethan!” Lily shrieks, rushing over with napkins, then whips around to glare at me. “Claire, you’ve lost it! I’m calling the cops!”
“Go ahead.” I cross my arms. “While you’re at it, maybe they can check if that dress you’re wearing is the one you ‘borrowed‘ from some girl’s dorm last month and never returned. Oh, and that five–star hotel photo you posted two days ago? Want me to send you the link to the stock image?”
Lily goes white. All her cheap tricks and fake glamour, completely transparent.
Ethan wipes the water off his face. Something in him snaps. He shoves Lily aside and lunges at me, hand raised.
“Bitch! I’ll kill you!”
An arm shoots out from behind me and catches his wrist mid–swing.
Something cracks.
“Fuck!” Ethan screams, dropping to his knees.
Iturn. It’s Dominic.
Ne’s in a tailored suit, expression dark, eyes lethal.
Dominic…” Ethan’s drenched in sweat now. The second he realizes who grabbed him, the rage drains. out. At Caldwell Group, Dominic’s untouchable. Always has been.
Dominic releases his wrist like he’s dropping trash.
Pulls out a silk handkerchief and wipes his fingers, as if he just touched something filthy.
“Ethan. Who told you that you could touch her?” His voice is quiet, but it freezes everyone in place.
Ethan flinches, tries to recover. “Dominic… she threw water at me first! Claire’s a-”
Dominic backhands him across the face. Hard. Ethan hits the ground, blood at the corner of his mouth.
“Watch your mouth.” Dominic looks down at him.
Claire’s a core member of USC’s architecture program. My personal guest. What makes you think you get to cause a scene here?”
Lily’s shaking so hard she can’t speak.
Dominic turns to the construction vendor, who looks like he might pass out. “Mr. Wang. This is the ‘young
professional‘ you brought? Seems like your company’s vetting process needs work. Don’t bother showing up to tomorrow’s bid meeting.”
The man practically grovels, stammering apologies.
Mr. Whitmore, please! I don’t even know them! They forced their way in! I’ll get them out right now!”
He drags Ethan and Lily toward the exit like he’s hauling garbage.
Silence settles back over the lobby.
Dominic turns to me. His expression softens. He reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You okay?” His voice drops.
I nod. Looking into his eyes, something settles in my chest. I feel safe.
“Come on. Let me introduce you to some people who actually matter. Those two aren’t worth your time.”