CHAPTER 2: The Ambush
Raven stood in the center like a fucking king, surrounded by ass–kissers hanging on his every word.
“Morrison Tech is killing it right now. That Apex Industries deal? It’s in the bag.
We’re talking billion–dollar valuations by next quarter.”
“Save some scraps for us little guys when you close it, yeah?”
Raven preened like a peacock, that same cocky grin I used to find charming. Now it
made me want to vomit.
Senna clung to his arm, playing the perfect trophy wife, batting her fake lashes at every compliment.
The smoke hit my lungs and I coughed. Hard.
Some fat fuck in a too–tight suit waddled over, his jowls shaking with indignation. “Hey, trash. You lost? This is first–class, not the fucking homeless shelter. Get out.” I flashed my membership card. “I paid for this. Back off.”
Before he could respond, Raven stalked over.
“Jesus Christ, Ivy. You blew money on a lounge pass just to stalk me? That’s a new level of desperate, even for you.”
He snatched my card and snapped it in half, then shoved a few bills at me. “There’s
your refund. Now get the fuck out before I have security drag you out.”
My hands shook. I wanted to claw his eyes out.
Instead, I flagged down a lounge attendant.
She looked me up and down–sweaty gym clothes, messy ponytail–and her lip curled. “If you refuse Mr. Morrison’s refund, technically you can stay.”
I pointed at the NO SMOKING sign. “Then make them put out their cigars.”
Her voice went ice cold. “These gentlemen have paid the smoking fine. For the next hour, they can do whatever they want. If you don’t like it, leave.” “Honestly? Some people just don’t belong in places like this.”
“I want to speak to your manager.”
She actually laughed. “Lady, this lounge caters to VIPs. Your little complaint? It means nothing. Nobody cares what you think.”
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“Bottom line: I don’t give a shit. Do your worst.”
Raven looked at me with pure disgust. “Three years and you’ve turned into this? A whiny, pathetic Karen?”
Senna touched my arm with fake concern. “Ivy, honey, just go. You’re
embarrassing yourself. Everyone’s staring.”
A businessman turned to Raven. “You know this woman?”
Raven’s jaw tightened. “Unfortunately. Young and stupid, you know? We all make
mistakes.”
The men chuckled knowingly.
“Gold diggers, am I right? They smell money like sharks smell blood.” “Hey, we’ve all been there. At least you found real love now.” “Sometimes you gotta kiss a few frogs to find your princess.” They talked about me like I was garbage. Like I was nothing.
My ex–husband–the man who promised to love me forever–just stood there. He knew they were lying. He knew I’d funded his entire fucking company. But he said nothing.
Instead, he pointed at me with contempt. “She probably stalked my calendar. Knew I’d be here for the Apex meeting.”
“Look at her. Pathetic. Makes me sick.”
The businessmen piled on:
“Lady, have some self–respect. Leave.”
“This is a business lounge. Your little gold–digging schemes won’t work here.”
“Get a job like the rest of us. Stop trying to leech off successful men.”
I kept my voice steady. “I’m not here for money. Running into you was an accident.”
Raven laughed, harsh and cruel. “Right. Still playing games? Still think I’m that stupid?”
“Listen carefully, Ivy. Whatever we had? It’s dead. You killed it with your bullshit.” He pulled Senna against him, his hand sliding down to grab a handful of her like she was his personal property. She moaned softly, pressing her hips forward, making
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sure I saw everything. His other hand tangled in her hair, yanking her head back so he could attack her neck with his mouth. She was practically grinding on him right there in the lounge, her skirt riding up, putting on a show just for me.
“This is my future wife. My real love. We’re getting married next month.”
“You? You’re not my ‘one who got away.‘ You’re not even a memory worth keeping. You’re just some desperate bitch who won’t let go.”
“Seeing you here today doesn’t make me nostalgic. It makes me want to puke.”
Someone started a slow clap.
The entire room erupted in applause.
“That’s how you handle an ex!”
“Damn, Morrison! Protecting your woman like a real man!”
The whole scene made me physically ill. These pathetic ass–kissers, applauding like
trained seals.
I turned to leave. I was done with this circus.
But Senna blocked my path. “Leaving so soon?” “Don’t you think you owe me an apology?”
