Despite his words, he made no move to step away from Vanessa. If anything, he leaned in closer, his fingers brushing against the small of her back.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned back to me, his expression effortlessly composed.
"Charlie, don't worry," he said reassuringly. "I only see Vanessa as a big sister. There's nothing going on between us. If you don't like the mansion, I'll prepare another surprise for you later."
I met his gaze, a slow smile curling my lips.
"Sure," I said, my voice light. "As long as it's not a shock."
"What... what do you mean?"
Tristan's usual air of confidence wavered for the briefest moment. His brow twitched and there was an unmistakable stiffness in his expression.
Vanessa, on the other hand, scoffed, crossing her arms with an exasperated glare. "Charlie, seriously? You're going to act all high and mighty now that the company's gone public? After everything Tristan's done for you, this is how you repay him? With this ungrateful attitude?"
I glanced at her without a word. The way she clung to self-righteousness was laughable. But now, I couldn't be bothered.