Chapter 79
Chapter 79:
“Whoa. Easy, killer,” a voice called out. “I’m not the Hyde boy. Save some for him p>
Zane Sterling stepped into the ring wearing boxing gear, holding up focus mitts.
Dallas stepped back, chest heaving, sweat dripping from his nose. “He touched her p>
“And she stomped him,” Zane grinned. “I heard from the security team. An absolute legend. The Stiletto Stomp. We should patent it p>
Dallas didn’t smile. He walked to the bench, grabbed a water bottle, and downed half of it in one pull.
“So the secret is out,” Zane noted, settling onto the ropes. “Claudine knows. Anson knows. The waiter knows p>
“It was bound to happen,” Dallas said, wiping his face with a towel.
“You’re hiding her, you know,” Zane said, his tone shifting. “Eliza. She’s stunning. And smart p>
Dallas shot him a look that could have stopped traffic. “Careful, Zane p>
“I’m just saying!” Zane raised his hands. “You have a diamond and you keep her in a vault. People are curious. Rumors breed in the dark p>
𝘋o𝘄ո𝗅o𝘢𝘥a𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘋𝖥𝗌 o𝘯
“She is not a trophy to be displayed,” Dallas growled. “She is my wife. And she is fragile right now p>
“Fragile? She took down Anson Hyde in a restaurant hallway,” Zane countered. “She’s tougher than you think. Maybe she needs to be seen — to show the world she’s not a victim anymore. To show them she’s Mrs. Dallas Koch p>
Dallas considered this. He looked down at his scarred knuckles.
“Vanessa wants to bring her to the club opening tonight,” Dallas said. “The Velvet Room p>
“Do it,” Zane urged. “Let her shine. Let her own the title. And if anyone gives her trouble — well, you’ll be there p>
Dallas unwrapped his hands. The scars on his knuckles stood out stark white against his flushed skin.
“If anyone gives her trouble, the gym won’t be the only place with blood on the floor,” Dallas said, perfectly calm.
Zane shivered theatrically. “Remind me never to date your wife p>
“You have Sloane. Focus on her,” Dallas advised.
“Speaking of Sloane — she wants to meet Eliza too. Double date?” Zane asked.
“One step at a time. Club first.” Dallas stood. “I have to go. I promised her dinner p>
“Whipped,” Zane coughed into his hand.
Dallas didn’t deny it. He just walked away.
Back at the penthouse, the mood was chaotic.
Eliza stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, wearing a silver dress Azalea had brought her. It was backless, shimmering like liquid mercury, and ended mid-thigh.
“It’s too short, Azalea,” Eliza said, tugging at the hem.
Azalea sat on the bed eating an apple, entirely unbothered. “It’s perfect. Dad will have a heart attack — in a good way. You need to look like a billion dollars p>
“I look like a disco ball,” Eliza sighed.
“A sexy disco ball,” Azalea corrected. “Trust me. Tonight is about power. You stomped on Anson with your heel. Tonight you stomp on society with your dress p>
Eliza studied her reflection. The dress clung to every curve. It made her look dangerous.