Chapter 7 None of Your Business A sharp slap landed on Violet's cheek. "You dare!" Violet's face stung, her cheek burning red. She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Sylas. "Why wouldn't I dare? What's stopping me? "He doesn't love me. I don't want to marry him. Is that not allowed? Sylas's chest heaved with anger. "Love? What's that worth? Do you have any idea how critical this is for my company? It's do-or-diet if you marry into the Braxton family, were saved." If you don't we're headed for bankruptcy." Sylas never had a son-both his wives gave him daughters. His younger daughter knew how to sweet talk and to keep him happy. But this eldest daughter? Stubborn as a mule! Violet's lips curled slightly. "Then let it go bankrupt." The company was already on its last legs-might as well let it collapse. Even if it goes under, I can support you with my salary alone." Sylas clutched his side, livid. "Save it! Your paycheck wouldn't cover my daily expenses!" "Violet, think carefully. If it weren't for the engagement, you think you'd have a shot at the Braxton family?" Violet let out a soft laugh. "Then give the engagement to Cora." At that, Cora's eyes widened. "Hmph, you'd really give it up?" Violet dicked her tongue, done talking, and grabbed her bag, leaving swiftly. Outside, Gavin leaned against his car, smoking. When he saw her, he stubbed out the cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash can At the gut Closes, Gavin noticed the vivid red mark on her pale cheek yes but you?" Hu low furrowed, and he reached to check her face but she swatted bis band away Drinly Gavin's eyes darkened just as her dad said she was stuld be "Cant is We've put to get our marriage thesise ky member, to how about 2:12 pm 7 Now he was thinking about romantic gestures? Too late. 14.45 nied Your Undla 5.0% Chapter 7 None of Your Business Violet's voice was calm but firm. "Gavin, no need. I told you, we're done." The man who'd just felt sorry for her now had fire in his eyes. "Violet Miller, enough is enough! Luna's my sister. No one's taking your place. How many times do I have to explain that?" "But you know she's not your real sister. You're not blood related. Can you promise me you'll never see her again?" Violet saw his gaze shift away, and she had her answer. "See? You can't. And neither can 1. Just thinking about your feelings for her makes me sick!" Gavin's breathing grew heavy, and he suddenly grabbed her, shoving her into the passenger seat. "Feel sick all you want, but breaking up? Not happening!" Gavin floored the gas, and the car sped into the night like a gust of wind. Violet shot him a cold glance, noticing his lips pressed into a tight line, his bad mood obvious. But she only found it laughable. What right did he have to be mad? I'm not trying to die. Slow down, or I'm calling the cops." Gavin glanced at her pale lips, remembering she'd said her stomach was upset, and eased off the gas, slowing the car. When they stopped, Violet slammed the car door and marched to the second-floor guest room, her face set. Gavin followed, lingering outside her door for a moment before heading to another guest room. Neither went to the master bedroom, an unspoken agreement. Violet rubbed her stomach, forcing herself to reply to a client's messages, then reviewed next week's cases before shutting her laptop. She logged into her burner Twitter account, which only followed Luna. Last time, she couldn't resist checking and forgot to switch back to her main account. She saw a red dot on her follow list and clicked, finding Luna's latest tweet from five minutes ago. [My brother got me this Heart of Angel as a welcome-back gift. What do you guys think?] Hmph, the Heart of Angel that sold for $7 million at Sotheby's? So Gavin was the one who bought it. Knock knock- Violet reluctantly opened the door. Gavin stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a gift box. "Saw this style you like at the mall during my trip. It's for you." If she hadn't seen Luna's tweet a second ago, she might've thought he'd found his conscience. But now, holding the ironic jewelry box, she felt no anger, just a faint smirk. "How sweet of you to splurge like that." Gavin's brow creased, sensing her sarcastic tone. "It's not a big deal, just a few hundred grand." Violet took the box and moved to close the door, but he stepped between her and the frame, She raised one eyebrow. "More gifts?" Gavin's temple twitched. "No." "Just a reminder, we're getting our license tomorrow..." Chapter 7 None of Your Business Violet glanced at her phone as a text popped up: [Violet, you with Gavin? Bet you Luna could call him away with one ring.] The sender quickly recalled it. Gavin frowned, annoyed. "Violet, I'm talking to you." Violet met his eyes with a half-smile. "Yeah, what'd you say?" Gavin repeated, irritated. "I said, tomorrow we're getting our license. Don't oversleep-" His phone rang, cutting him off. "Hey, Luna." His face changed instantly. "Where are you? I'm coming now. Wait for me!" Without a glance at Violet, he rushed downstairs, and soon she heard the car peel out. Hmph, marriage license? Yeah, right. Violet didn't sit idle. She sent the jewelry straight to a luxury resale shop. This time, she went all in-bedding, candles, body wash, everything she'd picked out for their shared place went into boxes. She headed to Gavin's guest room next. Opening his closet, she pulled out every shirt and tie she'd given him, taking them all. Violet dragged a suitcase downstairs. Margaret stared, stunned. "Ms. Miller, you going on a business trip?" Violet gave a soft smile. "Not a trip. I'm moving out. I probably won't be back." Margaret watched her leave, eyes wide with shock. Was Violet joking, or was she really gone for good? "Luna, how could you be so careless? You know you're not well. Why not stay at the Braxton Villa?" A tear from Luna splashed onto Gavin's hand. Seeing her tears fall like pearls, Gavin felt his heart ache. "Luna, I'm not mad at you..." Luna wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "I know, Gavin. I know I'm useless. But what can I do?" Her voice softened. "You're the only one in this family who cares about me." Gavin set down the cotton swab and gently pulled her into his arms. "Alright, sweetheart, no more tears. I was too harsh. Don't worry, I've got your back from now on." (0) (0)