Dark Revenge Of A Jilted Bride: Till Life Do Us Part!-Chapter 62: Shady?

"Did he drop you off himself?"

That was the first question Gianna was greeted with as she stepped through the gates of the Thorne mansion.

It came from Areso, who was strolling the grounds at half past five in the morning, long strides deliberate, eyes already alert—the sort of hour artists claimed as sacred, when inspiration struck best and sleep was optional.

"Areso, jeez, don’t you sleep?"

Areso—yet looking incredibly beautiful in a tracksuit, hair pulled back in a careless knot that somehow still framed her face perfectly—chuckled.

"How can I? When we have a collection to wow the world with? These designs have posed a daring challenge to me, and you know how I love challenges..."

Gianna nodded barely, her steps slowing until she fell into pace with her friend, the gravel crunching softly beneath their shoes.

"Yes, he did drop me off..." she bit out when her eyes met Areso’s probing ones, mischievous ones.

Gianna rolled her eyes when Areso’s eyes twinkled, when the latter took note of the fact that she was still in Noah’s clothes.

Getting into the club dress hadn’t been greeted with much enthusiasm by her mind, so she had stuffed the flimsy material into a small shopping bag she’d seen in his kitchen, one now clasped loosely in her hand, swinging slightly with each step.

"You guys did it?" Areso clapped her hands excitedly, enthusiasm not dampened even when Gianna shot her a glare sharp enough to cut glass.

"We didn’t. For heaven’s sake, what do you think of me?"

Areso laughed, shrugging her shoulders. "Coming from the chief of one-night stands, I—"

Her words were cut off when Gianna smacked her shoulder.

"What the—!"

But she was laughing even as she pulled away from a still-glowering Gianna, laughter bubbling freely.

"Don’t burn holes in my head, friend. Your reputation precedes you. But really... you didn’t tap that fine ass?"

Gianna groaned loudly as they both walked into the sitting room, the sound echoing faintly off the high ceilings, causing Areso to laugh even harder.

"What? Even you can’t deny it. And he has the hots for you..." A pause, as she strolled toward the dining area and poured water into a cup from the pitcher, movements unhurried. "I see a love story there."

"Love story indeed." Gianna muttered, accepting the cup and downing it in one gulp, the coolness grounding her slightly. "Everyone still asleep?"

Areso shrugged. "It’s the weekend. No better time to sleep in. And considering the eventful night we had, I say we all deserve it."

"Except you and I."

They both pouted exaggeratedly, then laughed, their steps turning toward the hallways.

"Hope old Mr. Thorne didn’t burst a vein waiting on me..."

Areso smiled. "Almost did. You know he sees us all like his daughters. But Athena’s homecoming was enough distraction. We told him you were out working with your partner, Vance. I don’t think he fancies Noah."

Gianna frowned. "Why do you say so?"

How had she not known this? Not noticed it?

"That night when you mentioned him at first?"

Gianna nodded slowly, stopping in front of her door.

"I saw the tightening of his jaw... well, something along those lines. I don’t think he likes the Becketts as a whole. And when I talked to my mother, concerning my staying here, she confirmed it by saying she didn’t like the Becketts. Called them shady."

"Shady... in what way?" Gianna leaned against the wall, arms folding across her chest.

"She didn’t elaborate. Only said I should be careful, check out contracts well before signing. Turns out the rumors of the Beckett name in higher circles aren’t exactly pristine." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Well, most companies aren’t pristine. No one can be a hundred percent noble, Areso."

Areso agreed with a sigh. "True. But let’s be careful still. Did you cross-check the contract with a lawyer?"

Gianna shook her head. "I can read quite fine."

Areso rolled her eyes. "Clauses aren’t your mate, Gianna."

A pause—one where Areso caught the flash of uncertainty crossing Gianna’s face.

"Don’t worry still. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about."

Gianna hoped so. Albeit, to be on the safe side, she would be collecting the number of the Thorne lawyer from Athena. "Thanks, Areso..."

Areso squished her face affectionately. "For what?"

"For the heads-up."

This was the second time she was hearing shady in connection to the Becketts. She would be stupid to ignore it again.

Of course, she wouldn’t do anything dramatic—but she would be more careful. Especially with contracts.

Inside her room, she rid herself of Noah’s clothes, placing them neatly on a chair, already making a mental note to have them washed and dried before their dinner tonight.

That thought made her sigh.

What had possessed her to say yes to him when she was feeling anything but ready for a dinner date?

Yes, she had wanted to show appreciation for his rushing to her aid—even when he didn’t know what was at stake—but...

She shrugged off the thought. No need obsessing. It was a mere dinner. Nothing much. A thank-you dinner, somewhat.

She dumped herself onto the bed, staring up at the familiar ceiling before her gaze drifted to her phone.

Maybe she would work on the designs... she thought, opening the last message thread with Vance, the new design he had sent.

The kid was really gifted.

She got to her feet, grabbed paper and pencil from the cupboard, then returned to the bed. Five minutes later, she cussed softly when she realized she was dozing off mid-sketch.

Still, she couldn’t blame her body. It hadn’t slept—not even in the softness of Noah’s bed. Maybe because it was unfamiliar. Maybe because her mind hadn’t let go.

Either way...

She dropped the paper and pencil onto the bedside table. Her body needed sleep.

Setting an alarm for three hours later, she tucked herself beneath the bedsheet and drifted off.

So fast—and so deep—was her sleep that she didn’t hear the dull thump outside her window, like something—or someone—hitting the ground.

Nor the muttered curse that followed.