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“What if I want to pick it personally?”
Triston was quiet for a beat. “Then make sure it’s something thoughtful and expensive. The more it costs, the more it shows you care. But wait—why don’t you ask Anya? She’s a girl. She’ll know better what kind of gifts women like."
Dante gave a low hum of thought. "Alright." He hung up without another word.
Across town, Triston stared at his phone. A strange flicker crossed his face. ‘He wants a gift for a woman? Something he’s going to buy personally?’ The realization hit him hard, jerking him upright in his chair. "No way... Is it for Anya?"
Within the hour, Triston was striding into Kingsley Corporation’s glassy skyscraper. He bypassed the front desk and went straight to the upper floor. Before he could knock on Dante’s office door, he spotted Anya walking to her desk.
Without thinking, he grabbed her arm. "Anya, wait up."
Anya turned, startled, then smiled lightly. "Triston?" she said, brows raised in surprise.
"So youdoremember me. Sharp memory."
"Thanks," she replied casually, pulling her arm back. But Triston didn’t let her go just yet.
Triston gave her a long look. “Tell me something…”
"What?"
“Is your birthday coming up?”
She blinked. "...Yeah. How did you know?"
Triston tilted his head, lips curving into a slow smirk. "No reason. Just… expect something nice from Dante soon. Something really,reallynice."
Anya’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise glinting in them. "Really?"
Before Triston could say more, Dante appeared around the corner. His sharp eyes swept over them and he walked up at once.
"What are you two talking about?"
Triston grinned. "A gift."
Dante’s jaw flexed.
He pointed at Anya. "Go back to your desk." Then to Triston, "You. In my office."
Anya nodded quickly and walked off. Triston followed Dante into his office, the door shutting behind them.
Once inside the office, Dante slammed the door shut behind them and walked straight to his desk.
Triston sank into the chair opposite him, lounging casually. "So," he began, watching Dante closely, "you’re really going to give that precious, hand-picked, most expensive gift to Anya?"
Dante didn’t flinch. "Yeah."
Triston straightened. "You know people will notice, right? They’ll know it’s from you. And don’t forget—your engagement to that Carter girl is still there. Your mom’s expecting it. Do you really think she’ll keep quiet if she finds out?"
Dante leaned back slowly. "Do I look like someone who takes orders from my mother? If I can’t even choose the woman I want, what kind of man would I be?"
Triston stared at him, stunned. “You’re going against Janet’s plans?”
There was a long pause. Then Dante leaned forward slightly, his expression hardening.
“Don’t get involved.” His eyes locked on Triston’s with unnerving clarity. “I’ll handle everything."
***