Astrid paraded Damian from table to table, raising her glass with each guest. Every single one of them fawned over her, their smiles almost painfully forced.
I’d taken a moment to look into the Holden family’s background. Calling them the wealthiest family in Denver wasn’t wrong, but they lacked any real foundation—classic nouveau riche.
Their rise was tied to connections in Washington, which had helped them secure major projects here in Denver. That’s how they climbed to the top.
Still, her family hadn’t managed to break into Denver’s circle of true elites yet.
Today’s attendees were just mostly hangers-on hoping to gain favor with the Holden, along with a smattering of acquaintances from Damian’s family.
As for the Harris family, they used to hold status as one of Denver’s prominent families. But those days were long gone—they were only a shadow of their former selves now.
This engagement was a matter of mutual benefit.
For the Holden family, marrying into an established family like Harris was their ticket into high society.
For the Harris family, it was all about the money—a desperate attempt to claw their way back to relevance.
I’d seen countless arrangements like this growing up, so it no longer surprised me.
Historically, alliances through marriage have always been more about strategy than romance.
As I mused over this, a girl, no more than sixteen or seventeen, slipped into the seat beside me.
She was adorable—soft features with a hint of baby fat—and her resemblance to Damian was unmistakable.
“I’m Kara,” she introduced. “Your ex’s younger sister.”
Before I could respond, she added in a cold, clipped tone, “Don’t talk. Just follow me.”
Her hand wrapped around mine, tugging me to stand.
But I didn’t budge. Instead, I asked, “Did your brother send you to help me?”
“What do you think?” she replied, her brows furrowing in irritation. “If you don’t come with me now, you won’t get another chance!”
By then, a group of men in black suits had begun closing in.
Kara sighed in exasperation, letting go of my hand. She sat back down, clearly resigning herself to the fact that there was no escaping.
“You shouldn’t have come,” she muttered.
Then, with another sigh, she added, “If it weren’t for you, my brother wouldn’t have to marry that pig, Astrid!”
For me?
Her words took me by surprise, but I didn’t have time to ask more as a commotion broke out near the entrance to the banquet hall.