14
From that day on, my life became a triangle between the university, my company, and Vance Corp.
Thanks to my outstanding grades) I was exempted from most general education classes and non–essential courses. (And a small donation might have helped grease the wheels.)
Damian had somehow smoothed things over. The company officially collaborating with Astor Corp was now Vance Corp, and I was the lead strategist for the joint project. It wasn’t neces- sarily a bad thing for a start–up to avoid the spotlight so early on.
But as a result, he had gleefully enslaved me as his exclusive date for social functions.
Watching him roar with laughter, I rolled my eyes. “You idiot. You think you’ve got yourself some free labor, but you have no idea that you’re just my springboard into the business world.”
I had a new project in the pipeline for the second half of the year and was looking for investors.
He raised an eyebrow and gave me a theatrical, gentlemanly bow. “It would be my distinct pleasure.”
The high–society gala was hosted by none other than the Astor family, the city’s wealthiest.
The moment I entered on Damian’s arm, my eyes met Shaffer’s incredulous stare. He strode over, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me aside, his face grim.
“As Mrs. Astor, you’re on the arm of another man at a public event? Have you forgotten you’re a married woman?”
Iyanked my arm back, a cold smile on my face. “Don’t you dare slander me. I am a perfectly single woman. Besides, aren’t you here with another woman?” I gestured to Scarlett, who was hovering behind him.
Shaffer seemed to relax slightly. “Luna, you’ve misunderstood. You know how Scarlett gets. She would have thrown a fit if I didn’t bring her. I’ll make it up to you after the party, I promise.”
I sighed, my patience completely gone. “Shaffer, what’s the act for?”
15
