Serena snickers. “That’ll be the ultimate get back for how he treated you.”

I firmly shake my head. “Heck no! I’m not messy, okay? The Grimes brothers have their fair share of drama already, and I am not about to get in the middle of it. I wanna keep my job. So, my sole focus is on Syd and Ari.”

My girls relent, finally dropping the topic when we exit my room to mingle with the Grimes family. Syd and Ari are already wrapped up in their grandmother’s arms, but the moment they spot me, their eyes immediately fix on me.

Ari gasps, her little hands flying to her mouth. “Oh my gosh, Ms. Kind. You look so pretty for your date with Daddy!”

I nearly choke on air, her cuteness causing everyone to giggle but also completely catching me off guard.

“Oh, Ari, it isn’t a date,” I manage, clearing my throat, willing my face to cool. “I’m just accompanying your dad to a business dinner.”

Syd, as sassy as ever, plants a hand on her hip and levels me with a knowing look. “That doesn’t look like a business dress.”

Serena cackles, and I open my mouth to defend myself because how dare this child be so accurate but before I can, Ms. Vicky steps in, eyes twinkling as she pulls me into a tight hug.

“What they’re saying is you look stunning, Kerry.”

I exhale, smiling against her shoulder. At least someone is on my side.

“Oh, Kerry!” Ms. Vicky whispers. “There’s someone I want you to meet at the restaurant tonight.” She says cryptically.

“Uh, who, exactly?”

She hugs me again and whispers against my ear. “I ran the background check, not Vic. I don’t know what happened that night, but I have discernment, and I want to help make things right. I told you working here will be good for you. I’ve been making a lot of friends in this town. I’m on your side, Kerry.”

The mention of my record brings me back to the reality that I’m somewhat living a lie, but I’m also trapped under my ex-husband’s hold.

Nevertheless, my attention diverts, along with everyone else’s eyes, when Victor Fucking Grimes emerges from around the corner. My blood boils, a high-temperature mix of disdain and desire, clashing so fiercely it leaves me breathless. He’s every bit of handsome and every bit of a fool.

He’s dressed in sharp, fitted black pants and a collared red shirt that clings to him like skin, outlining every defined muscle, every inch of strength and control he exudes without even trying. He oozes wealth, class, and natural dominance—an intoxicating combination that makes my knees damn near buckle.