Through the soaring windows, the skyline glitters like it’s performing for us, like it knows this night matters.
Because it does.
This is Callum and Karina’s engagement party, and Seattle’s elite have shown up in force.There are senators and startup founders, socialites and venture capitalists.Everyone pretending they’re not measuring each other’s net worth over canapés and Cristal.
And I?
I’m standing in the corner, fidgeting with my goddamn bowtie like I’m auditioning for a high school prom.
"Stop fidgeting," Daniella murmurs at my elbow, materializing as always with her ever-present tablet and perfectly arched brow."You look fine."
"I’m not fidgeting."
"You’ve adjusted your tie seven times.I counted."
"It’s crooked."
"It’s perfect.You’re nervous."
She knows.Of course she knows.Daniella’s been managing my schedule and occasionally my sanity for three years.If I so much as blink weird, she notices.
"This is about the innkeeper," she adds, her tone as dry as the martinis passing on silver trays.
"Sage.Her name is Sage."
"And you sent her approximately eight thousand dollars in floral arrangements today.Plus a couture dress.Plus designer shoes.Plus the car service."
"That much?"
"You’re aware she’s not Julia Roberts and you’re not Richard Gere, right?"
"That reference is dated even for me."
"Classic rom-coms are timeless."
She glances at her screen, hesitating."This is a big night for Callum."
"It is."
"And for you."
That catches me."It is?"
"Would I be the worst assistant in the world if I ruined it?"
I frown."Daniella… is there something you want to say?"
She hesitates.Then, slowly, she turns the tablet toward me.
"I didn’t want to bring this up tonight.But maybe you should know."
The screen fills with data—IP logs, timestamps, SecureMatch metadata.My eyes try to make sense of it, but before I can even start...
Movement.
A flash of blue silk at the ballroom entrance.
Sage.
