The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 106

She wasn’t about to let Franco stain her career. Right now, the only thing she could do was confront him face to face.

Back at her desk, a news alert popped up on her screen. Tomorrow night, The Eminence was hosting a charity auction. These auctions were a staple of Cabinda’s high society, hosted every year by one of the city’s big families. Last year had been The Green Family’s turn. This year… Petty mentally listed off the families, landing on The White Family. That meant Franco, as head of the Whites, would definitely be there.

But you couldn’t show up to one of these things without a date.

She thought about texting Harris, but he was Franco’s best friend. That would just make things awkward for everyone. She scrolled through her contacts, pausing more than once over Owen’s name before finally opening their chat. Owen never cared about rules anyway.

[Are you going to the charity auction tomorrow night?]

She barely had time to put her phone down before Owen called.

“Petty, what’s with the sudden interest?” His voice was laced with amusement. “Need a date?”

He really did know her too well. Petty had to admit he was sharp.

She softened her tone, reminding herself she needed a favor. “So, are you going or not?”

“If you’re going, then I’m going,” Owen replied, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Even if you’re just using me to get to Franco, I’m happy to play your date.”

Petty felt her scalp tingle. She wanted the conversation over, fast. “Let’s just meet at The Eminence entrance tomorrow.”

Petty stood under the warm lights in a midnight blue, off-the-shoulder gown. The dress showed off her pale shoulders and sculpted collarbones, and her skin had a soft, luminous glow. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders, floating like silk each time she moved.

She looked like she’d stepped out of a dream.

Owen narrowed his eyes, taking her in. Petty’s features were already stunning, so the makeup artist had kept it simple—just a few careful touches, nothing heavy. It was more than enough to make her shine.

The Eminence sat in the heart of Cabinda, tucked away in a quiet, upscale corner of downtown. Owen pulled up and parked. Before he could even get out to open her door, Petty had already stepped out, gathering her skirt in one hand.

She closed the door behind her and heard Owen’s teasing voice from just behind her. “Franco, what a coincidence.”