Chapter 2

The next afternoon, the high-end bridal boutique downtown was cleared for a private appointment.

I arrived ten minutes early. My custom wedding gown -- a hand-embroidered silk masterpiece I had spent six months designing -- was displayed on a velvet mannequin in the VIP showroom.

"Ms. Avery, you look tired," the boutique manager said gently, offering me a glass of warm tea. "Should we get you changed for the final fitting before Mr. Mercer arrives?"

"No," I said flatly. "Wait for him."

Five minutes later, the glass doors chimed.

Julian walked in, wearing his signature tailored navy suit. But he wasn't alone.

Serena walked half a step behind him, wearing a pastel yellow sundress. On her collar pinned the weeping diamond brooch.

My eyes lingered on the brooch for barely a second before shifting to Julian's face.

Julian caught my glance, but his expression remained entirely unbothered. He walked over, wrapping an arm around my waist, bending down to plant a casual kiss on my cheek. He smelled of fresh cedarwood -- and a faint, overly sweet vanilla perfume that wasn't mine.

"Eve, you look pale," Julian murmured, his voice laced with easy, practiced affection. "Did you sleep in the lab again?"

I stepped out of his embrace subtly, gesturing toward Serena. "Why is she here, Julian?"

Julian frowned slightly, a tiny flicker of impatience darting through his eyes before he smoothed it over with a placating smile.

"Serena's father is finalizing our European distribution deal today. She wanted to consult with our PR team about the dress code for the gala, so I brought her along."

Serena stepped forward, holding out a delicate hand with a sweet, innocent grin. "Hi, Evelyn! I hope I'm not intruding. Julian said you were always so gracious about corporate company."

I ignored the hand completely. My gaze dropped to Serena's chest. "Nice brooch, Miss Prescott."

Serena's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, her hand instinctively rising to touch the diamonds.

Julian took a step forward, his voice dropping into a sharp, low warning near my ear.

"Evelyn, drop the tone. It's a prop from our marketing fund to make sure our investors see we have high-society standards. Don't act like a jealous child in front of junior partners."

Before I could answer, Serena walked up to the velvet mannequin displaying the wedding gown, her eyes sparkling with unhidden envy.

"Oh, Julian! This dress is absolute magic..." Serena breathed softly, reaching out to touch the silk train. "It's so regal. I've always dreamed of seeing what silk like this feels like."

Julian looked at Serena's admiring face, his expression softening with subtle pride.

I watched the quiet, unspoken intimacy between them, feeling a cold, sardonic laugh bubbling up in my throat.

"You like it, Miss Prescott?" I asked softly.

Serena nibbled her lip, shooting a timid glance at Julian. "It's... it's beautiful. But of course, it belongs to you, Evelyn."

"Try it on," I said calmly.

The boutique manager gasped. "Ms. Avery?"

Julian turned to stare at me, his brows furrowing in genuine irritation. "Evelyn, what kind of game are you playing now?"

"I'm not playing," I looked him straight in the eye. "She clearly loves it. And since you're so fond of sharing corporate assets, why stop at the jewelry?"

Without waiting for Julian's permission, Serena snatched the garment bag from the attendant and ducked into the fitting room.

A moment later, the fitting room velvet curtain pulled back.

Serena stood on the raised platform. The gown, tailored specifically for my measurements, hugged Serena's waist, the long silk train cascading over the carpet.

"Julian..." Serena cooed, blushing as she looked in the mirror. "Does it look good on me?"

Julian looked over, his eyes softening as he took in the sight. "It looks... stunning."

I stood up, holding my warm tea glass. I walked slowly over to the platform, offering the cup toward Serena with an effortless, graceful smile.

"Here, Miss Prescott. You seem flushed. Have some warm tea while you admire yourself."

Serena, eager to accept my apparent submission, reached out hastily to take the delicate china cup.

In her excitement and hurry, her fingers fumbled over the hot surface.

CLATTER!

Serena gasped as her hands slipped, the entire cup of dark, hot tea flipping straight over the front bodice of the pristine white silk dress, soaking deep into the delicate embroidery.

"Ah!"