Chapter 18
Though Dylan had publicly backed Ruby’s plagiarism be, his attitude toward her had grown increasingly frosty since their return from New York
Ruby paced her penthouse, blood boiling at the realization that Dylan was still hung up on Harper. Even after being thoroughly humiliated and driven out of the Industry like yesterday’s trash, somehow Harper still had her claws in him
Furious, Ruby grabbed her phone and fired off a text to Dylan: Think I’m getting sick, temps 101. Could you bring some Tylenol? Don’t want to bother my assistant this late.
Despite his recent coolness, Dylan still responded to the damsel–in–distress routine. Some patterns were hard to break
When he arrived at Ruby’s luxury condo, he found her sprawled dramatically across her designer sofa in a barely there silk slip, looking completely healthy. The setup mouldn’t have been more obvious.]]
His jaw tightened as he turned to leave, but Ruby sprang up and caught his arm.
“Okay, I’m not sick, she admitted, voice deliberately vulnerable. “You’ve just been so distant lately, I was afraid you were slipping away.
Her calculated vulnerability softened his irritation somewhat
sensing her opening, Ruby pressed. Have dinner with met I had nella talla deliver your favorite pasta. []
Dylan reluctantly settled at her already set table.]
Ruby poured two glasses from an ornate decanter, sliding one toward him. After a few sips, Dylan felt an unusual warmth spreading through his body. His collar suddenly felt constrictive, and his thoughts began to lilur around the edge
Seeing his reaction, Ruby immediately slid onto his lap, her fingers working at his shirt buttons.
Even through his drug–induced haze, Dylan recognized what was happening. He shoved her off with enough force to send her sprawling onto the Italian marble floor
Ruby stared up at him in genuine shock, dearly not having anticipated resistance to whatever she’d slipped into his drink
Dylan staggered toward the door, but Ruby scrambled after him, wrapping herself around him from behind
“Dylan, please,” she begged, clinging desperately. “Don’t go–1 need you.
In one swill motion, he span around and pinned her against the wall, eyes blazing
“For years, I put you on a pedestal.” he growled. “Every selfish, manipulative thing you did, 1 excused because I thought you were different. But drugging me? What the actual hell is wrong with you?
Repeatedly rejected and now physically restrained, Ruby’s carefully maintained facade finally shattered.]
“You’re turning me down because you’re still obsessed with that pathetic little donemat, aren’t you?” she spat.||
This has nothing to do with Harper”
Ruby let out a harsh, unhinged laugh. “Bullshit! You’ve spent years pretending she disgusted you, but the truth is, you got off on her attention. You’ve always © had a thing for her!–]]
staring at the twisted expression on the face he’d once worshipped, Dylan felt something cold settle in his stomach “You need professional help. I mean it.“)
With that, he pushed past her and walked out.
Back at his apartment, after working through the effects of whatever Ruby had doord him with, Dylan lay in bed replaying her accusation. ||
“You go off on her attention. You’ve always had a thing for her.”
me hurned the words over in his mind, then reached for the photo fragments he’d impulsively kept from the amusement park.||
Running his dumb across the tattered edges, memories flooded hack–Harper appearing at his office with black coffee and a croissant after late nights, Harper creating mock–ups for presentations when his team was overwhelmed, Harper somehow remembering his mother’s favorite Gowers when he’d completely Torgotten Mother’s Day!||]
Only now did Dylan have to admit that Ruby was right. Somewhere along the way, he’d grown accustomed to Harper’s unwavering devation, maybe even come to rely on it
The next morning, Dylan mournered his sister at her favorite coffee shop
The security footage you mentioned–where is it“]
Jemma looked up from her latte, momentarily confused. “What security footage?“]
“From the fire in your bedroom. The video of Ruby and Harper.“]
Jemma’s expression morphed into unmistakable contempt. “Oh, now you want to see 117 Whatever happened to I don’t need evidence, I believe Ruby no matter what? Did she finally show her true colors?
Dylan had no defense
Seeing his silence. Jemma twisted the knife. Too late, Danny Harper texted me yesterday–she and Tyler Scott are officially a couple.“||
to turn and state]
“She’s WHAT?” Dylan’s voice rose sharply, causing nearby customers to him.
Jemma finched slightly before recovering. “You heard now. Harper and Tyler are together now. For real. ||
Dylan shook his head in disbelief. “No way. She’s just using him to make me jealous.”
“Are you reen listening to yourself?” Jemma snapped, incredulous. “She literally doesn’t remember your why would she try to make someone jealous when she doesnt even remember having feelings for them? |
But Dylan barely registred her words, already spiraling into dental “That’s not possible.” he muttered, more to himself than to Jemina “She can’t be with him. She’s supposed to love me
