Page 117 of The Royal Art of Revenge

But not worked for.

Like she was always meant to be in my life.

A bit like Finn.

“What do you think?” Valentina asks, spinning around and holding out her arms. “Shall I buy it?”

I nod. “If you don’t, I’ll buy it for you.”

“Oh, well, you don’t need to tell me twice.” She slides her arms out of it, then pauses, a sour look darkening her features. “She’s found us.”

I turn around, facing the entry of the store, and pause. Jasmine is walking in, one of her friends hot on her heels, and she scans the whole place until her gaze lands on me.

Our eyes meet for a moment, and she hesitates, deliberately stopping so her friend walks into her. She almost trips and grabs onto Jasmine’s arm to steady herself, then says something I can’t hear. Jasmine replies, and her friend looks up, her eyes narrowing when she sees me.

“Faye Townsend,” Valentina mutters. “My stepbrother’s on-off fuck buddy.”

Oh, joy.

“She’s pulled out the big guns, it seems.” I match her volume as I turn away from them.

I know what Jasmine wants.

And not giving her my attention is just one way to rile her up.

I hand Valentina back her coat and she puts it on before taking her bag from me.

“Valentina. What a surprise to see you here.”

Valentina barely glances at her. “Faye. Jasmine. What a coincidence. I didn’t think either of you shopped this particular brand.”

“Not usually, but there’s a dress Jasmine is interested in.” Faye’s cold brown eyes swing towards me. “I see you’re cosying up just like your father taught you.”

Oh.

I don’t like her at all.

A cold chuckle escapes Valentina as she secures the coat back on the hanger. “Well, you’d know all about cosying up to people better than you, wouldn’t you?”

“You—”

“And for what it’s worth, Harriet and I were friends when we were children. I’m thrilled that we’ve reconnected after twenty years.” Valentina turns to Jasmine. “Jasmine. You look well, all things considered.”

Oh.

That’s catty.

Jasmine forces a smile. “I have no idea what you mean. I’m happy for Harriet. After everything she’s been through, she deserves some happiness.”

“Mm. And I suppose you know exactly what she’s been through. In the last two years, at least. By the way, have you spoken to the DeLaurentis’ recently?”

She pales. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I must be mistaken. I heard that it was one of the Sinclairs who did that hit and run on his car. It was said to be a distant relative, but then Harriet was revealed, and...” Valentina shrugs. “I wondered if perhaps you’d checked in with them, given the injuries his girlfriend received.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Jasmine says flatly. “The pictures showed a blonde driver, and I am clearly not blonde.”

“True.” Valentina looks at me. “I just can’t see the Royal Family welcoming someone with such low morals.”