His Dangerous Love On Ice (Olivia and Zane) novel Chapter 58

Zane’s POV

One thing I was never a fan of was parties.

The kind that involves gathering with people who gave fake pleasantries and smiles that never reached their eyes. Small talk that meant nothing Laughter that sounded hollow.

And Sophia’s parties? Those were the worst.

The only reason I was here was because Olive would be here. And because I wanted to enjoy the satisfaction of watching Cole think he was becoming part of the family.

Fuck. I’d enjoy welcoming him in with wide arms.

Right before I destroyed him.

“Is she here?”

I didn’t turn to look at Walter, just kept my eyes on the crowd, hand clenched tight around my glass.

“You mean my daughter?” Walter’s voice had that edge to it. “Do look like her keeper or something?”

I turned to stare at him. Watched him physically shudder under my gaze.

“No, she’s not here yet.” He cleared his throat. “And maybe she won’t show up at all. I know that girl. She wouldn’t put herself through this. Watching Cole propose to your sister? That’s a big blow even for someone as stubborn as Olive.”

Walter chuckled, shaking his head as he took a drink of his wine

“I told you to ensure she would attend this party.”

My voice was flat. Emotionless.

I scanned the room, cataloging faces. Trying to figure out who to avoid and who might be useful later. I spotted a few Chicago Wolves players in the corner, and the way they stared at me nervously from a distance told me everything I needed to know.

Good. They understood boundaries.

I turned back to Walter.

“I told you to ensure she attended.”

I could see the exhaustion written all over his face. The way his shoulders slumped like he was carrying something too heavy.

“Well, too bad, boss.” He rubbed his face. “She hates me. Completely. I know she’s always resented me for never being a good father, but now I made it worse. And that’s all thanks to you. Because she’d probably shoot me if I showed up at her doorstep right now.”

I nodded slowly. “Is Clinton still filing that lawsuit?”

“Oh, that son of a bitch backed off.” Walter’s expression shifted te something almost proud. “Too scared to file anything after you sent your boys to remind him that what happens in the underworld stays in the underworld.”

I took another sip of wine.

“Boss.” Walter’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Your father’s staring And he’s walking toward us.”

I didn’t need to look. I could feel William’s presence before I saw him.

My eyes found him among the crowd of elites and investors, all of them pretending tonight was about celebrating Sophia’s birthday when everyone knew what this really was.

An engagement announcement.

Our eyes locked across the room. Like we were in some silent war that nobody else could see.

But I’d never been the kind of person to back down.

“Don’t you want to sit?” William asked the second he reached me standing beside me like we were a happy family. Always the show we put on in public.

“I prefer standing.” I didn’t look at him. “And what are you doing here?”

“To speak to my son.”

His eyes were fixed on Cole, who was making his way toward the microphone set up near the small stage. Obviously about to start his performance.

For a second, I turned to glance at William. Then my eyes went back to the scene.

Silence stretched between us.

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