Chapter 170

Victoria

The Lion's Den was buzzing with its usual night crowd: young professionals winding down after work, clutching overpriced cocktails and laughing too loudly at jokes that weren't funny. I nursed my gin and tonic. The ice had long melted, making the drink almost tasteless—just like my mood.

"You're looking particularly murderous tonight," Penelope said, sliding into the booth across from me. Her hair was perfect as always, not a strand out of place despite the humid evening. "Bad day at the office?"

"Bad week," I corrected, watching as she signaled the waiter. "Bad month, Bad year, actually."

"Vodka martini, extra dirty," she ordered before turning back to me. "Let me guess, still stewing over your cousin and his little marketing wife?"

I shot her a withering look. "Your counteroffer idea was a complete waste, just as I suspected."

"It was worth