Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
The time went by quickly, and soon their driver pulled up to the Four Seasons Hotel and came to a stop at the valet. An attendant opened her door, and Derek came around the car to join Jessica, then slipped his hand into hers as they entered the hotel together.
They made their way to the Greenwich Ballroom, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, with elaborate floral arrangements, lit candles, and an orchestra playing music. Waitstaff walked around with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, while guests and donors for Derek’s father’s upcoming presidential campaign were already mingling.
They made the obligatory rounds during the cocktail hour, with Derek doing his part as senator Corbin Bettencourt’s son, greeting people he knew in the political world, along with saying hello to family friends. Derek introduced Jessica to everyone he spoke to, keeping his hand in hers or his arm around her waist, clearly proud to have her by his side. While the men discussed business or politics, the women conversed with Jessica in a way that made her feel surprisingly accepted—probably because she was on the arm of a Bettencourt, but it didn’t matter. Nobody treated her with anything other than politeness or respect.
Derek’s father was busy glad-handing his loyal supporters, his wife and Derek’s mother, Collette, by his side. And while Jessica had seen glimpses of Claire watching her with Derek, his ex-fiancée seemed content to remain with her own parents as they circled the room. As for Derek, he must have also been aware of Claire’s whereabouts, because he managed to casually steer them in the opposite direction, for which Jessica was grateful.
At some point, they found their way to Derek’s parents, and though Jessica remained outwardly relaxed and calm, inwardly she was guarded, unsure of what kind of reception she’d receive.
Derek shook his father’s hand, gave his mother a light kiss on the cheek, then turned to Jessica with an encouraging you got this smile while slipping his hand back into hers. “Mom, Dad, you remember Ben’s sister, Jessica?” he said by way of introduction.
“It’s been some time, but yes, we do,” Corbin said, his smile as kind and amiable as his tone. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
“Thank you, Senator Bettencourt,” she replied.
“Please, call me Corbin,” he insisted.
Turning her gaze, Jessica glanced at Collette, a beautiful woman who carried herself with poise and sophistication yet managed to emanate an aloof demeanor, the complete opposite of her husband’s friendly disposition. Jessica wasn’t sure if Collette’s elitist attitude was a natural part of her personality or directed toward Jessica herself. After all, she already knew Collette wasn’t happy with Derek’s decision to date Jessica when she had other visions for her son’s future.
Jessica remained composed and gave the other woman a gracious smile. “It’s nice to see you, Mrs. Bettencourt. You look lovely tonight.”
The other’s woman’s smile was tight-lipped. “Thank you.”
That was it . . . no please, call me Collette. Or a polite you look lovely as well.
Derek gave her a hand a squeeze in a show of support and maybe even as an apology for Collette’s rude behavior. It would have been nice to have his mother’s acceptance, but Jessica wasn’t surprised by the chilly reception, either.
“So, how’s the latest acquisition coming along?” Corbin asked his son.
The two men launched into an easy discussion about business, and while it would have been normal for Collette to converse with Jessica, instead the other woman ignored her and glanced around the room, as if searching for someone more interesting to talk to. It was a blatant attempt to make Jessica feel insignificant and let her know she wasn’t good enough for Derek, and she hated that this obnoxious woman had the ability to touch on those deep-seated insecurities.
Jessica did her best not to fidget and was grateful when she was saved by the announcement for everyone to take their seats for dinner. As soon as Derek led her in the direction of their assigned table, her shoulders lowered, her tense muscles loosened, and she was able to relax again.
“I’m so damn sorry about that,” Derek said once they were out of earshot of his parents, his tone underscored with anger. “My mother can give the Ice Queen herself a run for her money, and I would have called her out on her bitchy attitude if we weren’t in such a high-profile social setting.”
“It’s fine,” she said, understanding that this wasn’t the time or place for a family argument, though she appreciated his protectiveness. “Don’t forget, I grew up with a mother just like yours, so I’m all too familiar with that kind of treatment.”
His dark brows pulled together in a fierce frown. “Well, it’s not okay. She seems to have gotten worse since Nikki ended their relationship.”
Jessica sighed. “Ahh, that parental loss of control over their child. It drives them insane.”