Chapter 20 You're Practically Family Chapter 20 You're Practically Family Violet was kicking herself, wishing she could bite her tongue off. She ducked her head, forcing an awkward laugh. "Mr. Braxton, I was just kidding." Wayne's deep eyes locked onto her flushed earlobe, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "I wasn't." "You're Gavin's fiancée. To me, you're practically family. I don't mind." But Violet's almond eyes blinked rapidly-she did mind! They weren't family, and soon, they might barely see each other. She was about to call off her engagement to Gavin! With a click, Wayne unlocked the car door, his voice huskier than before. "It's late. Get home." "Okay." Violet hopped out, trudging back to her apartment like a zombie, her heartbeat finally slowing. She didn't have time to overthink-Victor's call came through. "Hey, Violet, you home?" Victor asked, his tone cautious. Violet smiled. "Yeah, boss, I'm home. You and Sean make it back okay?" "Yup, I had a driver drop Sean off first. I'm still on the road." Victor paused, then added, "Violet, nothing happened in Mr. Braxton's car, right?" Violet froze, her cheeks heating up again. "No! Boss, what are you thinking? Mr. Braxton just saw I couldn't get a ride and offered to drop me off." Victor let out a relieved breath. "Good. But, Violet, did you know him before?" She wasn't about to spill the messy Braxton family drama, so she shut it down. "Nope, never met him." "First time tonight," she added for good measure. Victor nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, got it. Look, I don't know much about Wayne, but don't let his looks fool you into thinking he's easy to deal with." "Sir Braxton bypassed his eldest son to hand him the entire Braxton Group. That tells you how sharp he is. Guys like him? We can't afford to cross." Violet pressed her lips together, catching his drift but brushing it off with a laugh. "Don't worry, boss. I'm not gonna assume someone's into me just because they gave me a ride." "And I'm not climbing any social ladders just because someone's got a fancy last name." Victor sighed. "Don't take it the wrong way. I'm just worried you'll get played. Their circle's all about matching status, you know?" "Don't worry, I won't get played again." Once bitten, twice shy-Violet wasn't falling for anything a second time. Besides, she knew Wayne was just being polite, offering her a lift out of courtesy. The next day at Monarch Law, Victor didn't bring up last night's dinner, and Violet tactfully kept quiet. Lily, ever curious, leaned in. "Yo, how'd it go yesterday?" Your Uncle 13.8% Chapter 20 You're Practically Family Violet stayed silent. Sean, oblivious as ever, didn't even register Wayne offering her a ride. "It went alright." Sean grinned. "Boss is meeting Mr. Hart this afternoon. I'd say we're in the bag." Lily gasped, sucking in a breath. "You're that close to landing the proxy contract?" In their line of work, popping champagne at halftime was a rookie mistake. Violet frowned slightly. "Lily, keep it down." Lily clapped a hand over her mouth, but her excitement was palpable. If Victor landed the Braxton Group's contract, their team would outshine Leo's crew at the firm! But when Victor returned that afternoon, his face was grim. Passing Violet's desk, he tapped it. "My office, now." Violet followed briskly, closing the door behind her. "What's up, boss? Afternoon didn't go well?" Victor nodded. "Yeah. I overheard at their lounge-Leo was waiting inside." Violet's expression hardened. "No way. Leo's trying to poach it?" Victor's brow shot up, scoffing. "He wouldn't dare!" But yesterday, he'd been confident the contract was theirs. Today, Tony was cagey, saying he couldn't decide alone. "Anyone can take this contract, but it sure as hell won't be Leo." Leo and Victor had been at each other's throats at the firm, sniping over cases for years. Violet pursed her lips. "Boss, you've got more experience than Leo. If the Braxton Group picks Monarch Law, you're the obvious choice. Don't sweat it." She wasn't banking on Wayne handing them the contract-she believed in Victor's skills. "Alright, Ill poke around at Braxton Group in a few days. Get back to work." The afternoon flew by, and before Violet knew it, it was ten minutes past quitting time. She'd promised Clara she'd show up at the Braxton Villa tonight-she wasn't one to flake. She even planned to use the chance to clear the air with the Braxton elders about calling off the engagement. The wedding was looming, and delaying further would make things messy. Gavin stood stiffly, his sharp eyes flicking to the villa's front door every few seconds. "Mr. Braxton, waiting for someone?" a maid asked. Gavin shook his head, silent, leaving the staff puzzled. Not waiting? Then why was he staring at the door like a hawk? What they didn't know was how foul his mood had been since yesterday, when he realized his fiancée had blocked him. When Violet's red sedan rolled into the Braxton Villa, Gavin shot to his feet. 16.19 Chapter 20 You're Practically Family But then, thinking he looked too eager, he turned, slowing his pace as he headed inside. Violet stepped out, spotting Gavin's back. Not wanting to walk in with him, she deliberately slowed her steps. Gavin, nearing the door, glanced back and saw no one following. His temper flared. "Where is she?" A passing maid replied helpfully. "Mr. Braxton, waiting for Ms. Miller? She's grabbing something from her car." Gavin's face darkened. "Who said I'm waiting for her?" He stormed into the foyer, his steps heavy with irritation. The maid sighed, shaking her head as she walked off. Violet dawdled, and when she finally got out, Gavin was gone. Her lips curved slightly. But then a voice startled her. "Violet, waiting for me to go in together?" he groaned inwardly. She should've gone in first! of all people, Wayne was the last person she wanted to run into right now. orcing a stiff smile, she said, "Mr. Braxton, you're such a kidder." Vayne's lips twitched, unreadable. "Come on, let's head in. They're probably getting antsy." (0) (0)