Bernard was my senior in college.
He was also Marcella's cousin.
Four years ago, he'd asked me to join his startup team.
I'd turned him down to help Barret instead.
Four years later, he'd become the kind of man whose every move sent shockwaves through the entire industry.
And he was still waiting for me.
"Come to the Delgados. I'll give you the platform, and you take back everything that belongs to you—with your own hands."
I didn't hesitate. I signed my name on the spot.
That evening, Bernard invited me to attend an industry gala as his plus-one.
I stepped into the ballroom wearing a gown his people had delivered to my door.
Bernard went to greet the hosts and told me to mingle on my own for a bit.
I had just taken a glass of champagne from a passing waiter's tray.
Barret walked toward me with Queenie on his arm, dressed to the nines.
She was draped over him like she had no spine, clinging to every inch of him.
Barret looked me up and down. When he noticed I'd gotten thinner, his brow furrowed.
"Where have you been the past few days? You can't even bother to eat properly? Starving yourself into this pathetic state—who's that performance for?"
"Sneaking into a gala of this caliber just to grovel and apologize to me, is that it?"
He was absolutely certain I couldn't survive without him.
Queenie sauntered up to me with a glass of red wine, her voice deliberately low.
"Maggie, doesn't this couture gown fit me perfectly?"
She thrust her chest forward, showing off her curves.
"Barret picked it out for me himself."
"He's so talented. Didn't even need my measurements—one touch and he knew every inch of my body."
I watched her preen like a circus act, my gaze ice-cold.
"If you want it all so badly, it's yours."
Queenie's face stiffened. She hadn't gotten the reaction she wanted.
Then she flashed a knowing smile.
Queenie stumbled on her own feet, holding her wine glass as she deliberately crashed into me.
Red wine splashed all over my gown.
"Oh no!"
Queenie was the first to cry out, falling backward onto the floor.
"Maggie, I know you're jealous that Barret bought me this dress, but you can't just shove me like that!"
Everyone around us turned to look.
Barret strode over and pulled Queenie into his arms.
"Queenie, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"
He turned his head and looked at me with disappointment in his eyes.
"Maggie, apologize to Queenie. Now."