Page 468 of Reign

“Those dresses are worth more than some people’s homes.”

“They’re being guarded.”

“That isn’t the point.”

“You’ve made that clear.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “You haven’t listened to a word I’ve said since we left.”

I’ve heard every word. I simply don’t care about the dresses right now.

Everything is ready.

I’ve negotiated deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars without checking the time this often.

None of them mattered as much as this.

“I’m listening, princesa.”

“Then tell me why we’re here.”

“You’ll see.”

“I hate when you say that.”

“No, you don’t.”

The elevator chimes.

Elena turns as the doors slide open, takes one step onto the floor, and stops.

Her gaze moves over the lavender walls, gold trim, and cream furniture arranged beyond the reception area.

“Luciano…”

I watch her face.

Her reaction is the only part of this floor I care about.

Her fingers find Lucia’s necklace as she notices the two words mounted in gold against the wall.

ELENA HOPE

She stares at them. Then at me. Then back at the wall.

“What did you do?”

“I had a sign installed.”

Her head turns slowly. “Do not be annoying right now.”

“I can try.”

She walks farther onto the floor, her heels clicking softly against the cream tile.

Beyond reception, long worktables fill the open space. Dress forms stand near the windows, shelves wait for fabric and samples, and two fitting rooms occupy the opposite wall.

Elena touches the edge of one of the tables.