Chapter 10: The Company Mixer

After an exhausting week at FaunaSphere Dynamics, the night of the company's quarterly mixer Friday had finally arrived. I was more than ready to unwind. All week the brothers had been avoiding me, and Ara wouldn't even look me in the eye. As much as I tried not to let it bother me, it did.

Pulling my shopping bag from the trunk, I walked down the cobbled path toward my cabin. Jessica had offered to let me get ready at her place, but I preferred the comfort of my own space.

Walking along the path, I froze when Ara emerged from the tree line. Black athletic shorts hung loosely on his hips, the tantalizing cut of his torso on full display.

"Ara..." I called softly, hoping he would say something. But a hurt expression crossed his face before he turned and disappeared into the dense foliage of the Ken jungle.

With a sigh, I continued forward and disappeared behind the safety of my front door. I connected my phone to the speakers and turned on my playlist.

The music that poured from the speakers evoked revelry, indulgence, and escape. I quickly stripped off my work clothes and stepped into the shower, letting the scalding water burn away any lingering sensation of their touch.

Tonight would be different. I had relocated to California, and everything had spiraled into chaos from day one. I couldn't allow myself to become preoccupied with these men at the expense of my career aspirations. I had to focus on myself alone. Only I could shape the future I wanted.

Like some melodramatic music video protagonist, I belted out lyrics while releasing my frustration. By the time the water ran cold, I felt refreshed and more confident than before.

The challenge was maintaining that confidence throughout my time at FaunaSphere. With luck, I could transfer to a different department in two years and pursue a specialized research position. That would certainly ruffle their feathers.

I dressed to impress, applying makeup and styling my hair until the mirror reflected a woman on a mission—someone who would turn heads with every step. The black dress I'd found at a boutique accentuated my curves perfectly. I paired it with crimson heels and matching lipstick. If seduction and defiance had a love child, it would be my reflection tonight.

As I headed toward the garage, my father's voice stopped me. "Lina?" His tone made me feel like a teenager caught sneaking out.

"Yes, Daddy?" I replied with an innocent smile.

"Where are you going dressed like that?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over my outfit in surprise.

"My new friends Jessica, Clara, and Scarlett are attending the company gala tonight. I don't plan to drink, but I wanted to join them. Do I look okay?"

He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth. "You look lovely, sweetheart. But if you do drink, please don't drive. Call me and I'll come get you."

"Of course. I won't be too late," I assured him with a sweet smile, watching as he retreated inside.

Just as I turned to leave, I heard the distinct click of heels on marble. Jean appeared in the doorway, her gaze freezing as it landed on me. Her eyebrows arched dramatically.

"My goodness," she drawled with disdain. "Where do you think you're going dressed like that? The corner? Or auditioning for one of those desperate reality dating shows?"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks but refused to show weakness. "It's a company event, Jean. Some of us can actually pull off fashion-forward looks instead of those outdated country club ensembles you love."

Her eyes narrowed. "Listen here, little girl. You may have Kennedy wrapped around your finger, but we know what you're doing. Hunting for a wealthy husband at work? Tacky, even for you."

"Projecting much?" I fired back, my voice steady despite my anger. "Not everyone measures their worth by who they marry. Some of us have actual career aspirations."

Jean's face contorted with fury. "Watch yourself, Lina. Your father might tolerate your disrespect, but I won't. You're making a spectacle of yourself and this family."

"The only spectacle is your transparent attempt to control me," I replied coolly. "I'm a grown woman with my own life, not an extension of your perfect family fantasy. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a party to attend."

I brushed past her, satisfaction warming my chest at her indignant huff. Jean's judgment only strengthened my resolve to reclaim my identity from everyone who thought they had a say in who I should be.

Entering the garage, I found Devin emerging through the kitchen door.

"Lina," he said, his eyes darkening as they traveled the length of my body. "Where are you headed?"

A soft laugh escaped me. "Out, Devin."

"Where, specifically?" His brows furrowed, clearly displeased.

"To the company party... what's with the interrogation?"

I didn't have patience for whatever games he wanted to play. All four brothers had given me the cold shoulder since the incident with Ara, and I was tired of their hot-and-cold behavior.

"Are you deliberately avoiding giving me a straight answer? Carl won't be happy about this."

Laughter burst from me as I opened my car door. "Does it look like I care? Carl made it clear that I'm nothing but trouble and should keep my distance. So follow your brother's orders like the good subordinate you are, and leave me alone."

Shock registered across his face. Before he could recover, I slipped behind the wheel, closed my door, and sped off into the night. I turned up the volume, rolled down the windows, and let the fresh air caress my skin. Jean's cutting remarks and Devin's controlling attitude only fueled my determination to enjoy myself tonight.

The venue was transformed into a summer paradise, with string lights illuminating the outdoor space and tropical flowers adorning every table. Colleagues in their finest attire mingled beneath the starlit sky, the atmosphere electric with excitement.

I spotted Jessica waving enthusiastically from across the dance floor. As I moved toward her, my steps faltered when I caught sight of Ara.

He stood in the center of a circle of admiring women from the marketing department, his head thrown back in laughter as they competed for his attention. One woman boldly ran her fingers along his arm while another leaned close, whispering something that made him grin wickedly. A third pressed against his side, her hand resting possessively on his chest. Ara was clearly reveling in their adoration, basking in attention like a king holding court.

Our eyes met briefly. For a moment, his smile faltered, but he quickly recovered, deliberately pulling one of the women closer and focusing his charm entirely on her, making it painfully obvious that I meant nothing to him.

A sharp pang shot through my chest, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I straightened my shoulders, painted on my most dazzling smile, and strode confidently toward Jessica and the others.

Tonight belonged to me and me alone.

To hell with Carl, Devin, Barry, and Ara—the four horsemen of emotional manipulation.

If forced to choose—the joke would be on them tonight. I would show them exactly what they were missing.