The doors had barely closed behind the Mode Essence editor when Camilla, her showroom manager, glided over and locked them.
"She loved everything," Camilla said with a smirk. "I saw her face when she touched the velvet bodice."
Selene gave a soft nod, slipping off her blazer and handing it to one of the stylists without a word. "She'll be back," she said simply.
She walked toward her private lounge — a sleek glass-walled room at the far end of the showroom. It was designed to impress: champagne cart, custom gold-plated desk, framed magazine covers lining the back wall. Every detail whispered luxury.
Selene barely had time to kick off her heels when her office door opened.
"Nate?" she said, surprised.
Nathan stepped in, carrying two cups and a paper bag. His tie was loose, his smile easy.
"Thought I'd come pick you up," he said, placing the bag on her table. "I figured you forgot to eat again."
She arched a brow. "You remembered."
He grinned. "Of course. I even brought the one with oat milk, no sugar—"
She took a sip.
Sweet.
Wrong.
She said nothing.
Nathan walked to the window overlooking the showroom. Stylists were cleaning up, chatting softly, prepping for tomorrow's opening.
"You run this place like a queen," he said, admiring the layout. "It's kind of sexy, honestly."
Selene offered a small smile, setting the cup down. "It's mine. It should reflect me."
Nathan turned. "Speaking of sexy — tomorrow night. Tiana's party. What time are we heading out?"
She paused. "You're coming?"
He laughed. "She texted me the invite two weeks ago, babe."
Right. Of course she did.
Selene folded her arms, gaze drifting to the city skyline beyond the glass.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "That's fine."
Nathan leaned in and kissed her temple. "You okay?"
"Just tired," she replied, brushing it off. "It's been a long day."
She didn't tell him what was really pressing behind her ribs.
She didn't tell him why the name Tiana suddenly felt sharp.
And she definitely didn't say what her gut already knew.
Something was coming.
And it had everything to do with the past she never really buried.