A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 119

"That's Jeremiah Whitlock—the Whitlock family's golden boy," Jared murmured into Tyson's ear. "He's tight with Mr. Rogers. Actually, he's the one who invited him tonight."

Jeremiah glanced over at Elvis, one eyebrow arched in playful mischief. "So, who's checking up on you, Mr. Rogers? Who's got enough pull to make you look so distracted at your own party?"

A few of the trust fund kids nearby pricked up their ears, faces lighting up with barely concealed curiosity. Even Tyson found himself inching closer, heart pounding against his ribs.

Elvis took a slow sip of his whiskey, making it abundantly clear he had no intention of entertaining their gossip—not now, not ever.

Jeremiah only grinned wider at Elvis's silence. "Alright, alright, you don't have to say it—I already know who it is… must be someone from the Thorne family, right?"

The name "Thorne" made Tyson's brows knit together in a sharp frown.

Someone else chimed in, "So the rumors are true? The Rogers and Thorne families are really tying the knot?"

A harsh cough sounded from the other side—a clear warning not to pry too much.

The would-be gossip immediately fell silent, looking abashed.

Tyson's frown eased, just a little.

If they were talking about the Rogers and Thorne families joining through marriage, it could only mean the Thorne family from the capital. Which meant the person Jeremiah hinted at was probably Miss Thorne herself.

If Elvis was really about to get engaged to Miss Thorne, there was no way he'd have anything going on with Winona. Besides, Winona would never fall for a guy like Elvis.

Her heart belonged to Tyson—of that, he was certain.

Just then, Elvis's gaze cut across the room and landed squarely on Tyson. For a brief, electric moment, their eyes met.

Tyson froze, unsure how to react.

"Of course I remember," Elvis replied evenly, swirling his whiskey so that the light caught on the glass with a cold glint. "It's hard to forget the things you've done, Mr. Goodwin."

His tone was neutral, but Tyson couldn't help but hear the sting of accusation beneath the words.

Tension coiled through his body.

Elvis had to be talking about what had happened with Winona. Damn it—how could a man who was about to get engaged still be keeping tabs on her?

The curious stares from the other guests seemed to cling to Tyson, and Jared edged away, trying to disappear.

There was no mistaking it now: the air between Elvis and Tyson was thick with hostility—sharp, dangerous.

Jared couldn't help but regret inviting Tyson tonight.