Page 15 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8

His snap instantly silenced her. In fact Bethan looked stunned.

Ares felt a qualm inside. Yeah, that was about the most he’d told her about his relationship with Gia. But honestly he’d thought his distance from Gia and the rest would be obvious, given he didn’t spend time with them. Plus he’d simply assumed Bethan’s loyalty in any interactions. Perhaps that hadn’t been fair. There was no doubt her family would have been wildly different. But the Vasiliadises didn’t discuss family—indeed anything personal—with anyone. They were too proud, too powerful. The sheer dysfunction was kept behind closed doors. He’d taken their lessons deep. Say nothing. But he woulddoit all now—show not tell. Only that was what he’d thought he’d done back then...

Bethan circled like a sparring opponent sizing him up before striking her blow. ‘What are the ramifications?’

He took a moment to focus. ‘Next Friday there’s an important gala at the headquarters. Nothing and no one will overshadow the success of that night so you’ll remain here this week and attend—gracious and smiling.’

Her jaw dropped. ‘Why on earth would you want me there?’

‘Because I said you would be and now it’s expected. If you don’t show up, then it will be a distraction.’

‘Won’t it be more of a distraction if Iamthere?’

His fury mounted. He’d never intended to tell her how personally important the foundation was to him. Acknowledging that felt like weakness. She might use it against him and he didn’t trust her. Or anyone. ‘You’ll quietly accompany me and afterwards you’ll discreetly disappear again.’

‘Did I discreetly disappear last time? What did you tell people?’

He’d said nothing, as it happened. As always. He’d iced up when people asked and people had stopped asking very quickly.

She cleared her throat when he didn’t answer. ‘I didn’t think you cared about what others think.’

‘I don’t, other than in connection to the business.’

‘It really is all about the money for you,’ she said caustically.

‘It is theoneconstant in my life,’ he agreed glibly.

And that was true—money had been at the core of everything. The lack of it when he’d been young and still living with his mother. The endless amount when his father had died and his grandfather had been hell-bent on securing a direct blood heir. Money had brought him freedom and was one thing he’d truly been successful at in spite of them all. Including her.

‘What about Sophia?’ she muttered, twisting her bangle.

‘What about her?’ He tilted his head, confused by the change in topic.

Bethan cleared her throat. ‘I saw her engagement ring.’

Her what? Ares stilled. ‘And you thoughtIgave it to her?’ Amazed, he watched Bethan avoid his eyes and couldn’t contain a small chuckle. ‘Are you jealous of Sophia?’

Oh, this was good. That she was territorial over him, sexually at least, felt fantastic and was a little payback for how jealous he’d felt of that man she’d dined with last night. He savoured it a second longer before relenting. ‘Sophia is engaged to someone else.’

The tips of Bethan’s ears reddened. ‘So you expect me to stay in Greece for an additional week just to show up at one of your work functions.’

‘I think it’s the least you can do.’ He wanted to winsomethinghere.

She would be his wife for one more week—superficially a convenient arrangement to suppress scandal, but still his wife. They would see this out ineveryway. What had happened during their separation wasn’t his business, but these next few days, she would be his. Only his.

‘You will do it, Bethan.’ He leaned forward, reckless determination pouring through him. ‘Because if you don’t pose as my happily reconciled wife for the next week and come to the gala, then I’ll argue that we’ve been together this whole time. That will reset the clock for our divorce. Two more years tied to me, you ready for that?’

‘You’re dreaming,’ Bethan said scathingly, unable to believe her ears. ‘No one will ever believe we’venotbeen separated. I’ve been living in London.’

‘And I’ve made frequent trips to London over the last two years.’ He smiled at her evilly. ‘Who’s to say you weren’t in my bed each and every one of the nights I was there?’

Her heart thudded. ‘I am,’ she whispered. ‘I will say that.’

And she was devastated to learn that he’d been to London that often and known where she was yet never been tempted to see her. She actually felt cut off at the knees and had to sit down to hide the hit of weakness.

‘So it will be your word against mine.’ He cocked his head and took the seat opposite. ‘I have dates. Hotel receipts—’

‘Proof of female company there?’