Chapter 23: Pretty, Patient… and Ruthless

Allison Croft

Allison didn’t get dressed to be seen.

She got dressed to be remembered.

The mirror reflected a woman who no longer needed permission to take up space.

Her curls fell in soft definition down her back, framing her face just enough to soften the sharpness in her eyes—but not hide it. Her makeup was clean, intentional, her lips glossed just enough to catch attention without begging for it.

The outfit?

Dangerous.

Ivory silk top.

Tailored trousers that hugged her curves just right.

A structured blazer draped over her shoulders like she owned every room she walked into.

She looked calm.

But beneath that?

War.

Her phone buzzed.

Simone 💋: WHERE ARE YOU??? I’VE BEEN HERE TEN MINUTES AND ALREADY JUDGED THREE PEOPLE

Allison smiled, grabbing her bag.

Allison: Relax. I’m on my way. Try not to start a fight.

Simone: No promises. Also if you don’t look amazing I’m leaving.

Allison smirked.

Allison: Then stay seated.

She stepped toward the door—

And stopped.

Lucian.

Leaning casually against the frame like he had always been there.

Of course.

Allison crossed her arms lightly. "You’re developing a habit."

"I knocked."

"You didn’t wait."

"That’s accurate."

His gaze moved over her.

Slow.

Measured.

Not invasive.

But not neutral either.

It lingered just long enough to say something without saying anything at all.

"...you look incredible," he said.

Not flirtatious.

Not dramatic.

Just... true.

Allison held his gaze.

"...I know."

That almost made him smile.

He stepped inside.

"Quickly," he said, shifting tone. "Before you go."

Business again.

Grounding.

He handed her a black card.

She sighed immediately. "Lucian—"

"It’s access," he said calmly. "Not permission."

She studied him.

"...you’re very controlling."

"I’m very prepared."

"...that’s not better."

"Take the card."

She took it.

Reluctantly.

Then the keys.

"...seriously?"

"Driver’s outside."

"I can drive myself."

"You can. You won’t."

She narrowed her eyes.

"I don’t like you."

"That’s unfortunate."

She took the keys anyway.

"And security," he added.

She groaned. "Lucian—"

"You don’t get to argue that," he said quietly.

And something in his tone—

Something protective—

Made her stop.

"...fine."

A beat.

Then silence.

The kind that wasn’t about logistics anymore.

His eyes dropped briefly to her lips.

Then back up.

Theo’s voice drifted from downstairs.

"Should I be concerned or impressed?"

Lucian stepped back.

"...go," he said.

She nodded.

But not before her pulse betrayed her one more time.

⸻

Lunch — Hours Later

Simone did not do subtle.

And today?

She wasn’t even trying.

"You look insane," Simone said for the third time, dragging her sunglasses down her nose to stare again. "Like... billionaire revenge wife. I’m obsessed."

Allison laughed, leaning back in her chair. "You’ve said that already."

"And I meant it every time."

They had been there for hours.

Not minutes.

Not a quick catch-up.

Hours.

Because once Simone started talking—

It didn’t stop.

"And then he really said you embarrassed him?" Simone scoffed, stabbing her fork into her plate. "The audacity. The delusion. The lack of self-awareness."

"I know," Allison said, shaking her head.

"No, I need you to understand—I would’ve thrown something."

"You would’ve gone to jail."

"Worth it."

Allison laughed again.

And for the first time in days—

It felt easy.

"You okay though?" Simone asked, softer now.

Allison paused.

Then nodded.

"...yeah. I think I am."

Simone studied her.

Then smiled.

"Good. Because you look like someone who just unlocked a new personality."

Allison smirked. "I did."

They lingered longer than planned.

Ordered dessert.

Then drinks.

Then another round of conversation that turned into stories, gossip, and Simone loudly rating every man who walked past.

By the time they finally stood to leave—

The sun had shifted.

The restaurant was busier.

And Allison?

Allison felt lighter.

Until—

A hand grabbed her wrist.

Hard.

She froze.

Simone immediately stepped forward. "Excuse me—"

Anthony.

Up close.

Too close.

His grip tightened.

"We’re talking," he said low.

Allison’s eyes dropped to his hand.

Then slowly back up to his face.

"No," she said evenly. "You’re letting go."

He didn’t.

"Not until you fix this."

Simone stepped in. "Take your hand off her before I—"

"Stay out of it," Anthony snapped.

Wrong move.

Simone’s expression went lethal.

But Allison?

Allison didn’t raise her voice.

Didn’t yank away.

She just looked at him.

Cold.

"You’re embarrassing yourself again," she said.

A few heads turned.

Anthony leaned closer. "You think you won? You think this is over?"

Allison smiled.

Not sweet.

Not kind.

Sharp.

"Oh, Anthony," she said softly, "you don’t even know what game you’re playing."

His grip faltered slightly.

She leaned in closer.

Close enough that only he could hear—

"At least I didn’t get married while knocking up my side piece."

Anthony froze.

Color drained from his face.

But Allison wasn’t done.

She stepped back.

Louder now.

Clear.

Public.

"You should go home," she said. "I’m sure your wife is waiting."

Silence hit.

Heavy.

Sharp.

A ripple moved through the small crowd that had formed.

Whispers.

Phones lifting.

Simone blinked.

Then slowly turned to Anthony.

"...oh my God," she said. "You’re disgusting."

Anthony let go of Allison like he’d been burned.

Too late.

The damage was done.

Allison adjusted her sleeve calmly.

Composed.

Untouchable.

"Don’t touch me again," she said quietly.

Then she turned.

And walked out.

Simone followed immediately, eyes wide.

"Okay—wow," Simone said as soon as they hit the sidewalk. "That was insane. You’re terrifying. I love you."

Allison exhaled slowly.

"Let’s go."

⸻

Lucian’s House

The door opened.

And Allison walked in—

Looking pissed.

Not shaken.

Not emotional.

Angry.

Controlled.

And that was worse.

Lucian stood immediately.

Theo’s posture shifted.

Elias raised a brow.

Simone walked in behind her, scanning the room.

"...oh," she muttered. "This is a situation."

Allison dropped her bag onto the table.

"Anthony approached me," she said flatly.

Lucian’s expression darkened instantly.

Theo went still.

"What did he do?" Lucian asked.

"He grabbed her," Simone answered.

That did it.

Something sharp moved through the room.

Lucian’s jaw tightened.

Theo leaned forward slowly.

"And?" Theo asked quietly.

Allison met his gaze.

"I handled it."

Simone snorted. "She destroyed him. Publicly. Again."

Elias let out a low whistle. "I’m starting to feel bad for the guy."

"No you’re not," Lucian said.

"No, I’m not."

Theo’s eyes stayed on Allison.

Sharp.

Focused.

Interested.

Because she wasn’t shaken.

She was—

Alive.

Fighting.

And he liked that far too much.

Simone crossed her arms. "Alright. Which one of you is the dangerous one?"

Theo smiled. "Depends what you’re into."

Lucian didn’t.

And Allison?

Allison just shook her head.

Because somehow—

Her life had gone from survival

To this.

And she wasn’t sure if that made things better—

Or far more complicated.