All Chapters of The Night Before I Knew Him: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Hermes“Grande,” Mr. Greene, one of Apex’s senior board members, and the cunniest of them, sets his glass down on my table. “Quite the gala you’ve put together tonight.”I force a smile. “It’s Apex’s gala, Mr. Greene. I just signed the checks.”He chuckles dryly, swirling his wine. “Still, you’ve managed to silence a few doubters. At least about the aftereffect of our… small problem., but you know it takes more than chandeliers and Bordeaux to earn trust.”“Trust isn’t built in a night. But reputation can be destroyed in one — and I won’t let that happen again.” I sip my glass, though I’ve no intention of drinking.His eyes narrow. “Again? You should know Lucien’s shadow still lingers over this company. Some of us are still… unconvinced you can lead Apex without it swallowing you whole.”My fist curls tight at my side. Fucking bastard. He says my father’s name without a shred of respect.“With respect, Mr. Greene,” I say, voice low and even, “the board doesn’t need to be convinced ton

~Hermes~Fuck.I leave the restroom after that bastard goes out. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t want to do anything.For a moment, I wanted to smash his head on the sink, but then I remember—It’s not my fucking problem.I don’t own June.I don’t.I pinch the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache already clawing through. I need a drink. I need the party to be over."Mr. Grande." Paul stops me midway to the drink section. Wrong fucking timing.My jaw ticks. "What is it?"Paul beams like a drunk idiot. "It’s time for the special dance," he says.My brows shoot up. "What special dance?""Sir, your father always held a waltz at every gala. It’s tradition."I scoff, sharp and humorless. "Then let’s drop that." I move to brush past, but he blocks me again."I’m sorry, Boss, but this is what the press looks forward to every gala. We can’t just scrap it. It’ll be bad for the company's PR."I sigh, rubbing my temple. "Fine. Then do it. What do you need me for?"Paul’s lips part. "Uhm— You need

June I grab my purse and walk out of the room immediately. My God. What was I thinking? Did I really want to kiss his hand? Was I seriously having those unholy thoughts in front of my new boyfriend? What a way to start a relationship, June. I can’t believe myself. The chill outside envelops me, and only then do I remember I left my shawl scarf inside. Shit. I turn back, but freeze when I see Chris. "Hey, where’re you going too?" he asks, smiling. My heart shatters. Look at him—so innocent, so unaware that minutes after accepting his proposal, I was burning with thoughts of another man. I can’t even meet his eyes. "Uhm—there’s an emergency at home. My roommate, remember?" I lie quickly, staring at the ground. I’m so sorry, Chris. "Well, I can take you home—" he offers, but I cut him off. "No. No, please, don’t. I’ll handle this," I say, clutching his hand, fighting the urge to meet his eyes. "Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate our, uhm—one-day anniversary," I force a smile, hoping

My phone alarm shrieks, loud enough to split my skull."Oh, my God." I groan, fumbling for the phone and shutting the damn thing off.Why did I even set an alarm on a Saturday?Oh, right. Because I thought this Saturday was supposed to be great for me.If only I hadn’t yelled at Mr. Grande.Don’t get me wrong—I’m relieved the weight finally lifted off my chest. But the anxiety chewing at me every time I refresh my inbox is worse. Is he waiting for business hours to send the termination letter? He might as well do it now and put me out of my misery.I swipe to Chris’s message from last night:"Let’s meet at 24/7 Nights."I sigh. That club. The same place where I made the mistake of sleeping with Mr. Grande—and now I’m paying for it.I should be excited to see Chris, but there’s a pang in my chest that outweighs the feeling.Oh well. I’ll survive, I tell myself as I head for the bathroom.I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Dark circles rim my eyes, the mascara smudged. They’re red,

June"Privately," I echo, brows knitting.Why does he need me alone for this?I glance at Leila and Kayla. "Get the cab, I’ll be right there with you."Leila hesitates, looking at Kayla, who’s clearly stalling. "Alright," Leila says at last, tugging Kayla’s arm.Lia tilts her head, confused, and Tobias adds quickly, "I’ll be quick. Just wait in the car."Lia pats my shoulder as she passes, forcing a small smile. "I’ll be in touch."Once they're gone, the air suddenly feels thicker.My chest tightens, heartbeat pounding in my ears. "What is it?" I ask, voice sharper than I mean.Tobias bit his lips, rubbing his neck. I frown at Tobias’s hesitation, the weight of his stare almost unbearable to watch."June," he says slowly, cautiously, as if tasting each word before letting it fall. "Do you… do you think Chris might’ve spiked your drink?"My whole body goes cold."What?" I snap, my voice loud, "Why would you even say something like that? Did you not see the state he is in? He is worse