I knew they were saying this just to get a rise out of me, but I had no interest in arguing anymore.
"I hope so. I’ll keep trying."
Thorne flashed a modest smile before gazing into the distance as if lost in thought.
"You guys probably don’t realize this, but the owner of this place is ridiculously well-connected. They even have ties in Washington, saying they have access to the highest levels of power wouldn’t be an exaggeration. If I could just get in touch with them, my family’s business could reach an entirely new level."
"The owner’s connections aren’t that impressive," I said casually.
"Oh? And you’d know that how?"
His smirk deepened. "Come on, Cassius. If you actually knew the owner of this place, you wouldn’t be dressed like that or pulling up in a cab."
"At least make your lies a little more convincing."
Thorne cast me a sideways glance, his expression unreadable.
"Cassius, if the owner ever heard you running your mouth like this, a single word from them could make sure you never worked a day in this country again. Do you even have the slightest clue how high society operates?"
"Boss, you already said it’s high society," Rowan sneered. "How could someone like him possibly understand?"
I exhaled a quiet sigh and stepped aside, lighting a cigarette.
Their world was small, their perspectives even smaller. They could only believe what was within their reach.
My job wasn’t exactly classified, but it wasn’t something they’d ever hear about in their circles. With their social standing, they had no way of knowing who I really was.
I wasn’t interested in arguing. I just wanted to get through this gathering and leave, preferably never seeing them again.
Just then, a pink Maserati purred to a stop.
The door swung open and a woman stepped out, her long, slender legs wrapped in sheer black stockings.
Even Thorne, usually so composed, had his attention stolen in an instant.
"Ivy Anderson, you’re here too?"
"I thought you wouldn’t have time to come."
Thorne was overly eager to please, but no matter how expensive his car was, his status was still leagues beneath hers.
Yet Ivy didn’t spare him a single glance. She remained cold and distant, her gaze locked onto me instead.
I turned away, refusing to meet her eyes and took another slow drag of my cigarette.