Page 34

How can Banks sleep at night, knowing he’s not keeping his word to his sister? She would never have supported Josh Lustre.
Hypocrite.
I’ve selflessly given the best years of my life to the fashion industry. Iamthe good “guy,” and Banks knows that. He stays up-to-date with the top companies worldwide. If any one person can bridge the gap between a brand being national or global, it’s Banks. He’s the supervillain.
His sister, Eden,likedme. She would have offered to help me. That’s just how she was—pure sunshine. Eden also loved my designs and believed in my vision before we were in the major leagues. Banks hasn’t stayed true to what she’d have wanted, and I’ll never forgive him.
While I’m having a pity party for one, my phone vibrates.
I stay where I am until the texts become a phone call.
“Leave me alone,” I mutter to myself.
When it doesn’t stop, I slide out of bed and grab it from the side table. Weston’s picture flashes across the screen and I answer.
“What?” I ask with a groan.
“Wow. What a way to greet your incredibly loving and caring brother.”
The background noise is loud. Music plays, and he’s surrounded by chatter.
“Rumor has it, you’re with Banks right now,” Weston says.
I roll my eyes. “I’m home, and I’m very much alone.”
“Blind item,” he mutters.
“What?”
“Photos of you leaving here together were posted.” Westonclears his throat and lowers his voice. “Josh is livid. He thinks you and Asher have something going on. Easton explained that wouldn’t happen until hell froze over, unless it has and …”
“Be serious,” I mutter.
“I’m asking,” he states. “Tell me the truth.”
“You asking is even more ridiculous.”
“Is it?” Weston doesn’t say anything for a few seconds. “I witnessed the two of you tonight with my eyes, sis.”
“So what?” I tell him.
“You … you hadthe look.”
I growl, “That’s absolutely preposterous.”
“I’d never forgive him if he hurt you,” Weston tells me.
“Aww, that’s kinda sweet. But trust me, you have nothing to worry about. Wow. You’re delusional, and I feel like I’m being gaslit by everyone when it comes to that asshole.”
“Yeah, I feel the same because I know what I saw. You’re my little sister. I only want the best for you.”
“The best isn’t Asher Banks, okay?” My thoughts wander.
“You have a type,” he says.
I ignore him. “Do you think it’s possible the paps were told to be at Banks’s? There is no way they’d follow us there.”
“You think it was planned?” He stays quiet. “A setup to control the narrative?”