He was silent for a long moment. “I understand what you’re saying,” he murmured at last, “But you’ve been the one leading the North deal. It’s a delicate operation. Too delicate to risk—what if your replacement can’t…”
“Adrian is more than capable,” I cut in gently. “And if you ask me, this is a perfect opportunity for him to prove that to you. Let him finish what I started.”
Mr. Vale studied me for a long moment. He saw the decision already written in my posture, in the calm set of my jaw. He gave a short nod, brows drawn. “If that’s what you want.”
I turned to leave, the weight on my shoulders somehow lighter and heavier all at once.
Before I could leave, the door creaked open again.
Adrian. With Elara in his arms.
He stopped dead in the doorway when he saw me, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. “What are you doing here?”
I turned to face him, my voice even, unshaken. “Just tying up loose ends.”
“Selene, I want to ask you something—”
Mr. Vale cut in smoothly. “No need. Selene’s already handed in her resignation. Son, you’d better focus on securing that Northern deal.”
Adrian’s brows lifted, his surprise flickering across his face. Maybe he thought I’d cling a little—fight for him, or at the very least, the casino I’d built with my own hands.
But I had let go of the title Mrs. Vale. And now, I was letting go of the Vale itself.
Elara leaned forward, her smile all sugary grace and carefully timed innocence. “I… We appreciate your… compromise. There’s no need to resign from everything. Even if you’re not Mrs. Vale, we’re still family, aren’t we? We grew up together. Adrian and I can treat you like a little sister.”
So sweet. So generous.
I returned her smile, just as polished. “Nonsense. My last name never was, and never will be, Vale. I’m not qualified to be part of the family business anymore. But…”
Adrian’s gaze sharpened. “But what?”
I met his eyes evenly. “But the Northerners aren’t like us. They’re blunt. Brutal. If you’re planning to play clever games or skim a little extra on the side, don’t. They don’t take kindly to being lied to.”
His jaw locked. “Are you implying I’d steal like some backroom rat?”
“No,” I replied calmly. “I’m giving you a warning. Don’t lie to them. Don’t get clever. That’s all.”
Then I turned to Mr. Vale and offered a polite nod. “I’m finished here. Thank you for everything. I’ll be leaving now.”
I had just turned to go when Elara’s voice stopped me again.
“Selene—will you come to our engagement party at least?” Her tone was soft, hopeful. “You were my closest friend all these years. I want you there.”
I paused, then nodded once.
Fine. Let that party be the ending—clean, final—for everything I had once hoped for.
…
Adrian and Elara’s engagement party was held at the Grand Hyoo, the most opulent hotel in New York City. When I arrived, the ballroom was already overflowing—politicians, mafia leaders, old-money billionaires. Nearly a thousand people had gathered under its crystal chandeliers.
It was extravagant. Overwhelming.
Compared to the small, private dinner I once had with Adrian—a quiet, ten-person affair that barely felt real—this was a coronation.
I glanced down at my dress. It was the best one I owned. Still, I felt out of place. Like I was walking into someone else’s world.
But I smiled anyway. Then stepped into the light.
Elara spotted me instantly and waved. “Selene!” she called, drawing every eye in the room. Heads turned. I caught a few expressions—curiosity, pity, even disdain.
“I’m so happy you came,” Elara beamed. “I spoke to Adrian, and we both agreed—you should give a speech. To celebrate our engagement, of course.”
I blinked.
A speech? Was she serious? Did she truly think it was wise to hand me a microphone, in front of this crowd, when everyone here knew what stood between the three of us?
“Sorry, Elara,” I said gently. “I didn’t plan on giving a speech tonight. This day belongs to you and Adrian.”
She tilted her head, blinking those wide, innocent eyes. “Really? But I insist. Adrian wanted it too.”
There had been a moment—a heartbeat, really—where I wanted to stand here tonight and tear him down. Make him feel the sting of everything he put me through in my past life.
But I knew better.
What could I really do against the Vale?
Maybe this could be the ending I gave Adrian and me. A clean one. A kind one.
Then I’d disappear into the world and build a life of my own—on my own.
