Chapter 67

Mia

As I left the casino with Sasha and Emma, my mind was still swirling from the brief, almost-kiss with Albert. My breath felt a little short, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of how close we’d come to something more. The interruption had been sudden, jarring, and I wasn’t sure how to process it all. My emotions were a tangled mess of confusion and something else—something more unsettling that I couldn’t quite name.

I wanted him.

Despite everything that had happened, I still wanted him, wanted the future that I had just started to think was possible with him.

Sasha and Emma were chatting as we made our way downstairs, but my thoughts were preoccupied with Albert. I could still feel the intensity of his gaze. It felt so unfair for it to happen when I had already made my decision.

“Are you okay?” Sasha’s voice cut through my thoughts. He looked at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

I blinked, pulling myself back to the present. “Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Just... a lot happened tonight.”

Emma nodded sympathetically. “It has been a rather eventful night, hasn't it? I'm sorry for turning your evening upside down."

I blinked and offered a small, distracted smile. “Honestly, Emma. You and Ethan's drama was the tamest thing to happen to me all day."

She winced, and it was clear she wasn't sure how to respond to that.

As we reached the main floor, I saw Sophia standing near the entrance, her arm linked with an older man who looked like he had more money than sense. Her laugh was loud, her demeanor over-the-top as usual as she hung all over him.

Was that was she usually did? Did she work her now, or was that he soon-to-be new husband? Had Lorenzo sold her off? Seeing Sophia like this, I almost laughed. To think she'd been reduced to the role of a sugar baby, clutching onto an older, wealthier man. I hoped she enjoyed it to the bitter end.

Sasha, noticing Sophia, made a face. “How amazing for her to go from raging to fawning in a matter of hours. I tell you, never underestimate the draw of money."

Emma glanced at her, a look of disdain crossing her features. “Does she always act like that?”

I shrugged. "I don't really know her."

Sophia caught sight of me and sauntered over, her expression instantly shifting to anger at seeing me.

"What are you doing here?" She glanced over me. "Underdressed like usual. You don't deserve the husband you have, you know? If I were--"

"I think you should focus on enjoying the company of the meal ticket you picked up."

She flushed. "Don't judge me when this is all your fault."

"How is you picking up a sugar daddy my fault?"

She stomped her foot. "I wouldn't have to if you hadn't ruined everything! I hate you." Sophia’s eyes narrowed at me. “I hate you and your stupid high-and-mighty attitude when you're not even worth the hand-me-downs you're wearing. It's not fair you got to marry a handsome, rich man and I--"

"Don't be such a fucking brat," I hissed. "Your father tried to sell me to that murderer-rapist old enough to be your father in your place. I didn't ask for you or your father to butt into my life."

She sneered. "You should be grateful that Daddy ever had a use for you! You'd be nothing without him anyway!"

"I was already more than you before his little deal," I said. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. “And, honestly, I don’t have the energy for your petty drama tonight. If you’re so upset about how your life is turning out, then maybe you should stop being a spoiled brat and either find someone else to pay your way or get a real job.”

Sophia’s face flushed with anger, her mouth opening and closing as if she wanted to retort but couldn’t find the words. Before she could respond, Bianca and her two burly enforcers arrived. I recognized them both as Lorenzo's men and groaned.

This day was just getting better and better.

“Let’s go, Mia,” Bianca said coldly. “Lorenzo has words for you."

"Tell him to shove them up your ass, then."

She flushed. "You--"

Sasha chuckled and stepped in front of me. His gaze was steely as he addressed Bianca’s men.

“You’re not taking Mrs. Warren anywhere. Not tonight. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”

The men shifted uneasily, sensing the threat in Sasha’s tone. “We’re just following orders.”

Sasha’s tone hardened. He cracked his knuckles.

“I’m sure you are. But I’d hate to think you’re going to end up like your boss. I've got plenty of time on my hands."

They both flinched.

"If you know what’s good for you, you’ll back off.”

The men exchanged nervous glances and took a step back. Sasha apparently had already garnered a reputation with them. Combined with his menacing presence, I could believe he could make any of Lorenzo's men back down with ease. Bianca’s face twisted in frustration, but she said nothing as Sasha and a small group of Albert's men escorted me out the door and into the car where Nikki was waiting.

Once outside, the cool night air hit me and I sighed into it.

Emma sank back into the plush seats. "Was that a sample of what you've been dealing with all day?"

I nodded. "A taste."

"I'm so sorry. If you can think of anything that I could do to make it up to you, please let me know."

She rested her hand on her rounded belly. "I at least owe you a few drinks."

As we drove back to the hospital, the city lights flickering past the window, I felt a mix of relief and resignation. It was unlikely that I'd ever see Albert again after tonight. I glanced back at the casino one last time wishing I'd had the courage and strength to try to make things work between us.

“Thank you, Sasha and Nikki,” I said quietly. “For everything.”

He chuckled. “Just doing my job.”

We made it back to the hospital without further incident, and Nikki made sure we were safely inside with Sasha before leaving. I felt a wave of relief as the familiar surroundings of the hospital enveloped me.

Emma walked up with me to my mother’s room, the weight of the evening’s events pressed heavily on my shoulders. On her bedside table was a plastic bag full of candy and a note from Katie stating that she'd call me soon. I sank into the seat with a sigh, just glad to be away from the chaos and back to where I could focus on what really mattered—my mother and our future.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the fate of Sophia and Bianca. Seeing them being dragged away by Albert’s men was a sight I never expected, and I had no idea what would become of them. But for now, I forced myself not to dwell on it. The night had been tumultuous enough without adding more worries to the mix. I had no reason to feel guilty about their fates after all.

They had never given half a thought to mine in all these years.

Emma sighed. "I reckon today is the kind of experience that garners lifelong friendship."

I laughed. "I wouldn't mind having more friends."

She dug through her purse and pulled out a card. "This is a business card. I don't know if you'll ever need it, but I'll soon be running the non-profit branch of my parents’ company, focusing on helping disabled individuals find employment. If you need a job or know someone who does, give me a call... I also take completely social calls."

I blinked and thought back to what Albert said.

“That’s wonderful,” I said. “My mother... when she gets out of here will actually be considered disabled... What sort of position do you staff?"

Her lit up. "Most positions and I'm planning to train people!"

Emma's stories about her work and her passion for the non-profit sector were engaging, and I found myself momentarily distracted from my own troubles. But as we continued chatting, my thoughts inevitably drifted back to Albert.

The image of him at the casino, cold and resolute, lingered in my mind. I couldn’t deny the complex emotions I felt about him. The kiss we almost shared, the intensity of his presence—everything was tangled in a web of confusion and longing.

It was nice that I could see a path forward for me and my mother, but I still...

I still wanted to see a path with him on it, and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe he was, too. I sighed, pushing the thoughts away. When visiting time was over. Nikki drove me to the penthouse. It was just like he said: a completely blank slate, yet for some reason I felt no hope for the future.