Violet flashes a wicked grin. “Magnolia, meet ‘love your accent’ girl.”

Understanding dawns on Magnolia’s face. “Ohhh. Now it all makes sense.”

Violet shrugs, unrepentant. “Had to see how he’d react.”

We both know I passed. I just want to hear her admit it. “And?”

She lifts her hand, examining her nails like she’s grading me. “Wasn’t charmed one bit. Very impressive… for a man.”

I don’t know whether to feel relieved or insulted.

Magnolia groans and drops her head into her hands. “Vi, you can’t ambush people like that.”

Violet smirks, unfazed. “I can, and I did. And honestly? If he had hesitated or even thought about it, wouldn’t you have wanted to know?”

Magnolia glares at her. “That’s not the point.”

“It is the point.”

I try to wrap my head around the madness unfolding in front of me. “Is this normal for you?”

Violet tilts her head like she’s considering it. “Only when it’s necessary.”

“And you decided this was necessary?”

Her gaze cuts into me. “My best friend’s heart shattered into a billion pieces. Guess who was there picking up those pieces? Me. So yeah, for me, it’s necessary.”

Magnolia groans and mutters something under her breath before turning to me, her expression caught somewhere between exasperation and apology. “I swear she means well.”

Violet grins, swirling her drink. “I do.”

I’m still debating whether I should laugh or just resign myself to my fate, but one thing is clear—this is going to be a long night.

“Can we at least try to have a normal conversation now?” Magnolia asks.

“Sure, but first––” Violet leans in, all faux seriousness. “What are your intentions with my best friend?”

I take a slow sip of my drink, leveling her with a look of my own. “You go for the jugular, don’t you?”

Violet nods. “Damn right I do.”

Magnolia groans. I just smirk.

Let the games begin.

“Okay, Vi. How about letting Alex breathe for a minute?”

She shrugs, feigning innocence. “I just need to make sure he’s the good guy I want him to be.”

I bite back a grin. “You could’ve just asked.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” She flashes a wicked grin and studies me. “But now that we’re here, tell me, Sebring—what are your long-term plans?”

Is Violet her best friend… or a mob boss vetting the guy dating his little girl? Hard to tell. All she’s missing is a baseball bat and a couple of goons named Tony and Vinny flanking her.

I glance at Magnolia, but she’s not helping me out of this. If anything, she’s watching with a mix of amusement and mild horror.

I shift my attention back to Violet. “You want the business proposal version or the emotionally vulnerable one?”