Chapter 20

Trevor and Sam didn't talk for a bit because there was tension. Which was valid. But Trevor didn't care much, really. Once his mind was set on something, there was no way of changing it. And Sam knew that.

They left early to catch their flight. From the city, Sam was going back to school on another flight. It probably seemed like a waste of money, but seeing as they could afford it and they needed to have a last word before Sam left, it was necessary. And he was going to go before the party.

Trevor was unable to track time like that because he was too focused on getting his brother on the proper flight and making sure he was good.

It was by afternoon that Sam finally spoke to him. When they were right in front of the airport.

"Thank you," he mumbled.

Trevor looked at his brother who was standing beside him, but not looking at him.

"Thank you for all you've been doing for me, and the others," he continued, still not looking at him. "I really want to be mad at you but... I can't. It's not fair to you. And... You're right. I need to get my priorities right. So, I guess what else I want to say is that I'm grateful... And I'm sorry for being a terrible brother."

Trevor who'd been silently looking at his brother finally spoke, reaching out to put an arm around his shoulder. "You're welcome. And as much as I accept your apology, I don't think you're a terrible brother."

"I love you, bro," Sam said, looking at him now, a tear slipping on his face.

Trevor smiled. "I love you too."

Sam suddenly attacked him with a hug, which Trevor reciprocated.

"I'll make you proud," he mumbled into his shirt.

Trevor chuckled. "You don't have to be the best. Just do your best and I'll be proud. And I'm sure Mom and Dad will be proud too."

"Yeah."

After a few seconds of hugging and people occasionally glancing at them in curiosity, they finally broke off the hug.

"You have to go," Trevor said.

Sam nodded. "Okay," he rasped. "Goodbye."

"Bye."

"I'll call you when I land."

"I expect nothing less," Trevor said with a small smile.

He stood as he waved his brother, watching him walk inside, a feeling of melancholy washing over him.

***

Few hours later, Trevor was able to go to the party. He was way earlier than he should be, but he didn't mind. They'd let him in anyway.

And they did. Quite enthusiastically when they saw his face. The warm greetings were nice.

And when he walked in on a familiar figure barking orders, he decided to go up the stairs to get a better view and leaned on the stair railing as he watched from above. And let out a chuckle when he stumbled a bit in a ridiculous fashion.

Turning around with anger and annoyance in his eyes, the man looked at him in shock, stumbling a bit as he ran up the stairs.

Before Trevor could say anything, he was grabbed in a suffocating hug, which made him wince with how hard the guy's muscles were tightening around his neck.

"Quen...tin..." he drug out.

"You're back," Quentin whispered, sounding relieved.

Tapping his shoulders aggressively, he repeated his name, "Quentin! You're... You're killing me here... Too... Too tight!"

And his friend let him go. Then proceeded to scream in happiness to the amusement of Trevor and the workers.

"We have a lot to catch up on. And not just today."

"I-"

"Oh, shut up, let me tell you how my years have been," the large built man said.

Some time passed before people started coming in and socializing with themselves, while helping themselves to the whines and food placed around beautifully. No one was really raising their head to look up, so they didn't see them. They didn't see him.

"I heard you're single. Maybe you'll find someone here," Quentin said with a cheeky smile after a while of talking about how their business was fairing and family, and now, love life.

Trevor dismissed him with a wave. "Not interested."

"Well, I'd definitely be interested in her."

Trevor gave him a confused look until he followed where Quentin gestured. And his eyes widened in surprise and realization.

***

As they stepped out of the luxurious hotel lobby, the cool evening air enveloped them, carrying the sweet scent of flowers.

Their chauffeur-driven car, a sleek black sedan, awaited them at the curb. The driver, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit for some reason, opened the door with a courteous smile. "Shall we proceed to the venue, ma'am?" he asked, addressing Tina.

She and Lamont exchanged glances. They didn't expect the ride they picked to be so... Formal and respectful.

They nodded, and they slid into the plush leather seats and the car glided smoothly through the evening traffic.

As they approached the venue, Lamont checked the time. "We're running a bit early, but that's okay. We can make a good impression," he said, smiling reassuringly at her.

The venue came into view, and their eyes widened in awe. The grand, modern building was a masterpiece of architecture, with its sleek lines and curves gleaming under the expertly designed lighting. With a majestic fountain in front of the entrance.

As they alighted from the car, the sound of laughter and music swelled, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the rustle of designer clothing. Lamont offered his arm, and together they glided toward the entrance, where a doorman greeted them with a dignified bow.

"Welcome to the Bellville Manor, Miss Reuben and Mr. Larkin. Please, enjoy your evening," he said, after checking their invitation as he swept open the door to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful interior.

Tina's eyes adjusted slowly to the dazzling spectacle within. Crystal chandeliers refracted rainbow hues across the polished marble floor, while exquisite flower arrangements and towering chandeliers added to the opulent ambiance. The air vibrated with the hum of conversation, the scent of fine wine and hors d'oeuvres wafting through the atmosphere.

As they merged with the little crowd inside, Lamont leaned in, her voice barely audible above the small chatter. "I'm guessing you'd want to get a drink? Something to help you relax and enjoy the evening."

Tina nodded gratefully, her eyes scanning the room for the bar, while hoping this would be the night to remember.

While her eyes were trying to adjust to everything, her gaze met someone's. The last person she expected to see there. Trevor. Who was looking right back at her.

And it seemed Lamont noticed him too.

"Uh, what's he doing here?" Lamont whispered in her ear, eyeing Trevor who was giving them a curious look.

"I dunno. He's a rich guy, too, so I guess he has something to do," she whispered back to him.

"Wait, he's rich?!" Lamont sputtered.

She groaned. Sometimes her friend was so foolish. How did he not recognize his surname?

"Samuels. His last name is fully Sinclair-Samuels, dummy. I don't know if the Samuels was what confused you for some reason," she explained, ignoring her friend's gasp, glancing at people walking past them only for her eyes to return to Trevor. Who didn't seem interested in looking away.

For some reason, Trevor didn't look too pleased. Did he not want her to be here? Is it something she did? Because she knew they were kinda valid. But she wouldn't leave even if she were forced.

"Holy fuck! He's rich-rich. I didn't even think about the surname because I just assumed a Samuels wouldn't be working as a chef, but... I was wrong."

"So wrong. You thought he was some ordinary chef? He's got five stars, Lamont," she said in disapproval. The only reason she knew about that was because she went online herself to check his business website. She should've thought about checking anything else he did. When they were dating, they never really talked about business like that and he'd definitely been doing some. Even before her.

"I really didn't think there was much to him, you know. I can't believe you bagged the son of a whole ass billionaire, and... A billionaire in his own right, too. Ohmyfuckinggosh, I didn't know he was a whole ass billionaire with a billionaire dad!" Lamont screamed in her ear, which made her wince and break eye contact with Trevor.

There was no need to constantly look at him. He probably wasn't going to approach her. She should be trying to socialize.

"I didn't 'bag' a billionaire. We're not dating anymore," she said, indicating him to walk with her to get drinks. Drinks always made her more confident than she usually was. It was a wonderful how she wasn't an alcoholic.

"Whoa whoa whoa," Lamont said, voice still low. "Did you used to date?! Is he like your ex or something?!"

Tina wanted to scream at the slip. It was so unintentional. Fuck.

"Yeah," she sighed, then raised a hand to stop her friend from saying anything else. "We'll talk about this later if you want. In detail. I promise. Can we get our drinks so we'll get to socializing?"

Lamont looked like he wanted to protest, but decided to accept her words. "Well, you promised."

"Unfortunately," she said.

After taking their drinks, they turned to start socializing, however they ended up face-to-face with Trevor who was dressed handsomely and catching attention with a serious expression on his face focused on her.

"Oh... Hi," she said, not knowing what else to say.

He nodded at Lamont who was speechless for some reason.

"You look gorgeous," he said softly. "Ravishing."

And just like that, Tina flushed. Feeling her toes curl in her shoes.