Chapter 17 Venting Alaric texted, "Grant, that guy video-called Oriana again last night. I recorded it and sent it over. Swear I didn't watch it." Luna's eyes flickered as she opened the video. A minute later, she closed it, her expression shadowed with a knowing smile. Oriana hadn't chatted much with that man, but Luna was convinced their relationship ran deeper than it looked. As for his identity, Luna couldn't care less. With Oriana's current standing, there was no way she could reach a higher circle. Her gaze shifted slyly as she forwarded the video to her own phone. Mimicking Grant's tone, she replied to Alaric, "That's enough. Don't bring this up again." After deleting the entire thread, Luna set the phone down. She curled back under the blanket, her eyes gleaming with excitement at the memory of what she had just watched. ***** That afternoon, Oriana met up with Zara at the high-speed rail station. The two of them checked in and boarded together. The ride to Fortine Mount would take two hours. Since the tickets were bought last-minute, the first- and econd-class seats together were already sold out. Oriana went straight for business class. For the past three years, she had sacrificed everything to help Grant build his business-cutting corners, working odd jobs, putting every paycheck and scholarship into his hands. She had never indulged herself. The only two trips she had taken were to visit Grant's hometown to pay respects to his late parents, and even then, they traveled by regular train. Back then, the crowded car reeked of sweat. Grant shielded her as best as he could, settling her by the window. Leaning on his shoulder, dozing off to the rhythm of the tracks, Oriana had felt content. Now, sitting in a spacious, plush business seat with staff tending to her needs, she couldn't help wondering if she had been out of her mind, By evening, they arrived in Lockwishe, the city that housed Fortine Mount. They checked into a downtown hotel and headed out to eat, landing at a seafood buffet that averaged five hundred per person. Oriana hadn't tasted anything like this in three years. Back then, it wasn't within her means. Later, when Grant's company started gaining traction, he grew even busier and never had time to take her out. ་ 1/3 Salmon, king crab, sea urchin, foie gras-Zara ordered a feast. Oriana waved both hands. "Zara, that's way too much. We'll never finish-it'll go to waste." Zara winked, patting her chest. "Relax. I've got you. Everything's in single portions. Whatever you can't handle, I'll polish off. But you've got to treat yourself-these were your favorites." They had been desk mates in middle school, inseparable ever since. Zara knew exactly what she liked. A sour ache rose in Oriana's chest. "Never again, Zara. From now on, I'll take care of myself." "That's the spirit. Dumping that idiot Grant is step one. The best is yet to come, Oriana," said Zara. "Okay," Oriana replied. They clinked glasses to seal it. Oriana was savoring the food when her phone rang. Grant had already sent her a few messages that afternoon. She'd ignored them, and now he was calling directly. She stared at the screen for a couple of seconds, then answered. Grant's tone carried faint irritation. "Why aren't you replying? Still mad at me?" As always, his confidence was unshaken. Oriana forced a smile. "No. I'm with Zara." Catching on quickly, Zara leaned toward the phone and shouted, "Hey, what's the deal? We barely get to hang out, and you're already interrupting?" Grant paused, then relaxed once he confirmed Oriana really was with Zara. 'I know, I know. Bailing on you was my fault. And I snapped earlier-I must've scared you, Oriana," he said. His voice softened. "Aurora just secured two major partnerships. The official signing is in four days, so I've got my hands full. Once this is wrapped up, I'll make it up to you." He knew Oriana cared about Aurora's success even more than he did, She'd understand. And she did. Oriana let go of her irritation. "I get it. Focus on work. Zara and I are eating." "Good. Have fun. We'll treat Zara to dinner soon, as thanks for keeping you company," he added warmly. The corners of Oriana's lips curled up. She didn't say more and hung up. Zara leaned in, shuddering. "Ugh. That two-timing jerk-pretending he's some lovesick saint?" Oriana bit into a shrimp, the flavor bursting in her mouth. "I'm not his girlfriend anymore. That bitch is." 2/3 "Hah?" Zara burst out laughing, giving Oriana a thumbs-up as tears pricked her eyes. "Damn, that's savage." "He's lost it. Back then, he put on that aloof act, rejecting every woman. I actually admired his focus, thought he was all about the grind." Zara scoffed with disgust. Oriana stared down at the foie gras sizzling in her bowl. "I forced us together. Luna's different for him." "Men always go for the bitch. Even Grant isn't immune. Whatever, I'm done with him. My opinion's shattered into pieces." Zara rolled her eyes. 20 (i) 3/3