From what I can remember about her, she’s in her late forties, unmarried, and deals with the import and export of exotic spices. One would think a business such as this wouldn’t be much profitable, and they’d be right. It’s what she does outside of her business that makes her ridiculously rich.
“Miss Adler,” she says, then gives me a quick once over, her gaze pausing briefly on my scar before continuing downward. “You look absolutely radiant.”
I look at her dark hair tied high above her head, her bold makeup, her black-and-red embroidered kaftan dress, and the gold jewelry she’s adorning, then incline my head a little.
“Thank you. And you look positively breathtaking, yourself. I’m in awe of your outfit and aesthetics.”
She’s a little surprised by my compliment. “I appreciate you noticing that.”
“Of course,” I say. “Your designer did a lovely job in terms of showcasing authenticity.”
Again, she’s taken aback by my words, but I mean every single one of them.
She may be a bitch, but I can at least praise the person who designed her dress. But when I think of where most of her wealth comes from, and how she pays for the privileges she has, it makes me sick to my stomach.
Andbrings me back to the reason I’m even talking to her to begin with.
“You’ve actually caught me at the wrong time, Miss Adler,” Rizwana tells me.
“Hm.” I arch a brow. “How so?”
“I was actually about to head out to get some fresh air. I need a break from all of this.” She gestures around us. “I think you understand.”
She thinks I’m here to breach her pre-election promotion session, which is laughable, because I give zero fucks about any of that.
I glance around, but don’t see her bodyguards nearby. A small miracle, really.
“Well, that’s a coincidence, then, because I was just about to head out myself,” I say, then give her another clinical smile. “Join me, Miss Hafeez; I insist. I would love to know more about your fashion preferences and designer’s details.”
She opens her mouth, then thinks better of it and shuts it. She knows she can’t deny an Adler at an Adler gathering. It makes for a bad rep.
“I would love to,” she voices instead, then motions behind me. “Please, lead the way.”
“Excellent!” I turn, letting go of a relieved breath, then shoot Dorran a quick text as I start making my way to the ballroom’s exit.
31.
“How long has she been gone?” Varsha asks.
“Almost 45 minutes,” Jayce answers, then stretches out in the chair next to mine before looking at me. “Should we check in?”
I take a long drag of my cigarette, then shake my head and lean back in my seat. “Give her time; she’s got this. Besides, Solo still hasn’t been able to get ahold of Rizwana, so let’s wait it out a little.”
We’re sitting around a corner table in the darkened dining room on the ground floor, waiting for Cignette. I know she’s taking long, but I also trust her enough to know that she’ll get the job done. From what I’ve seen, she isn’t one to give up easily.
I take another drag, then close my eyes and let it out slowly. The smell of tobacco and smoke hits me, and I sigh a little.
“Are you trying to trigger the fire alarm?” Jayce questions, irritation clear in his voice.
I pop open an eye and glance at him. “It’s not on my list of agendas for tonight, no.”
Alex and Varsha, who are sitting opposite us, laugh in unison, but stop when Jayce glares at them.
“Quit being so restless, man,” I say to him, then offer my cigarette to him. “Try not to let your nerves get to you.”
“We’re running out of time.”
“What time?” I ask, then turn sideways to look at him proper. “I don’t see the need to rush things.”
