Page 67 of Beautiful Lies

Chapter Fifteen

Knox

The grand hallof the Astoria gleams like a jeweler’s display case beneath the weight of a hundred crystal chandeliers. Every surface catches and throws light. The polished marble floors, the gilt-framed mirrors lining the walls, the champagne glasses that never seem to empty in manicured hands. The air thrums with the low murmur of New York’s elite, a carefully orchestrated symphony of power, wealth, and calculated social maneuvering.

All of it for me. Forus—Isla and me.

For the elaborate charade I’m about to make official.

I stand near the center of it all with my father and his closest friends, who also happen to be five of our top investors.

While he regales them with stories of his latest acquisition, I scan the carefully curated guests milling about like pieces on a chessboard—the good, the bad, and the inquisitive. Those who’ve come to celebrate. Those who’ve come to scrutinize. And those who’ve come simply to confirm that Knox Vale is really getting married. That the notorious bachelor has finally been tamed.

If only they knew my bride-to-be would sooner throttle me in my sleep than marry me.

We’re still on the battlefield, though we haven’t seen each other since last night. I thought keeping my distance was best. I was right, given the fact I’m still irked about Chad.

Of course, I had my PI run a search on him. Turns out the bastard got a promotion here, but I suspect he took the job to be closer to Isla. He seems to have done a one-eighty with his life. From his social media, he looked perfectly content down under. I never imagined him finding his way back to New York, yet he’s here. And I doubt I’ve seen the last of him.

Isla may want to keep to the rules of our arrangement, but I don’t think she’ll leave her ex to stew in last night’s filth. He means too much to her.

I don’t like that.

I like it even less that her feelings, and her compassion, are things I can’t control.

“Knox is the one to thank,” my father’s voice booms, cutting through my thoughts. He raises his champagne glass toward me. “This son of mine never ceases to impress me.”

Jeremiah Vale is in his element tonight, practically glowing with satisfaction.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“No, no. The gratitude’s all mine.” He claps a heavy hand on my shoulder, pride radiating through the gesture, then turns back to his circle of investor friends. “The Barcelona project came in fifteen percent under budget and two weeks ahead of schedule. My son here orchestrated the entire thing from conception to completion. It’s another once-in-a-lifetime deal that adds to the greatness of our empire.”

Marcus Whitfield, CEO of Whitfield Capital, nods appreciatively while Senator Katherine Reeves and tech mogul David Chen hang on every word. They’ve all heard variationsof this speech before. My father never misses an opportunity to showcase what he considers his greatest investment.

Me.

He’s proud of all his children, but I’m the one he bets the empire on.

I’ve never liked being the center of attention, but I humor him. I understand his motivation and that every success I achieve validates not just my worth, but his legacy.

For that reason, I don’t plan to let him down again.

“Always knew you had it in you, Knox,” Whitfield says, raising his glass. “Your father’s been singing your praises for years, but seeing the results speaks for itself.”

“I appreciate that.” I offer a practiced smile. Whitfield was one of the few who didn’t make life hell for me during the scandal, though he still wanted me gone.

“Well done. That kind of international coordination requires exceptional leadership,” Senator Reeves adds, her sharp eyes assessing me with the measured interest of someone who deals in favors and influence.

I incline my head.

“Exceptional leadership is a skill of rare quality,” Dad continues with an easy grin. “And tonight, Knox adds another milestone to his list of achievements. Marriage will definitely suit you, my boy.”

The words hang in the air like champagne bubbles waiting to burst, and the familiar weight of performance settles over me like a second skin. The practiced smile. The confident posture. The easy charm drilled into me since childhood. Every gesture calculated. Every word measured. Every emotion controlled and presented for maximum effect.

I’ve mastered my role. But tonight feels different.

Tonight, the stage is bigger, the lights brighter, the audience more demanding.