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“I’m not staying long.”
“I don’t care,” he tells me as I grab my phone, and we head to the elevator together.
I’m upset—don’t get me wrong—but I know he wouldn’t suggest this if he didn’t think it was necessary. I’ll find a way to move forward, whether it’s from my office or my townhouse.
“Who’s handling Lustre while I’m away?” I ask as we step into the metal box.
“Me.” He smirks.
“This is bullshit,” I hiss.
“Really? Did you know Stormy is working with the Calloways? Josh had a complete meltdown today over you and Billie possibly dating. Prince Louis is working overtime to prove he’s with her. And you’re just adding fuel to the fire. This could be viewed as a conflict of interest that might cost us a billion dollars.”
I shake my head. Stormy is who entire firms turn to when they’re in too deep. She and her team are the absolute best in the industry. If Billie needed Stormy to help her dispose of a body, it would be gone within the hour, along with all the evidence. Is this more serious than I thought?
“You messed with the Calloways, Asher. What did you expect?”
“My actions are justified, even if they’re not in the rule book.”
“Your actions speak much louder thanmywords ever could. It looks like you’re in it for personal gain.”
“I don’t care what it looks like. Time reveals everything,” I throw back. My anger level rising.
“You’ll eventually thank me,” he says, his gaze locking on to mine. “You have to do things your way, and I have to do them mine.”
“What do you know that I don’t?” I whisper, wishing for fewer obstacles but knowing there will be more.
“I’m purposely ignoring your question,” he replies, checking his watch.
“Once my mind is made up, I don’t back down,” I remind him.
“I’m aware. Just know I’m always on your side, just as you’re on mine,” he says.
As soon as we step out of the building, camera flashes blind us. I groan, shielding my face and rushing to the car, understanding this is my life—at least for now.
“Bet you’re glad you’re coming with me. Did you really plan on walking home?” my brother asks as we speed away from the firm, leaving the paparazzi behind.
“I don’t know. I just decided to leave,” I reply.
We zip across the city to an exclusive club in an upscale neighborhood.
I adjust my tie as the car comes to a stop in front of the building, which sparkles like a gem. More camera flashes greet us, but my brother seems unfazed.
We slip through the double doors into a foyer waiting area. Diamond awaits with its soft, shimmering lights.
Security checks our IDs and scans them on a machine.
“Welcome to Diamond, Mr. Banks,” he says to both of us.
We’re granted instant access. Inside feels like stepping into a different world.
Only those on the exclusive list are allowed in. It includes A-list celebrities, royalty, athletes, and the who’s who of the business world. Being part of that list is a privilege I was born into. Being a Banks opens doors most people only dream of.
Inside Diamond, privacy is paramount. Those who breach it are banned for life, and no one with a social standing wants to risk that. It would tarnish their reputation—a clear sign they can’t be trusted. The world is full of enough people who can’t keep a secret.
Once we’re upstairs, Nick quickly spots his friends—guys he went to college with. I’ve met them before, but it’s been years since they were in the city. I follow my brother into the VIP section, andwe join them at a large circular booth. Several bottles of bourbon and whiskey sit in the center of the table.
“Do you remember my little brother, Asher?” Nick asks, reaching for an empty glass.