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I hesitated, torn between wanting to know what Cain had selected and dreading it. “Let’s see the dress,” I finally decided. “I should know what we’re working toward.”

Mira nodded and unzipped the garment bag. I couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped my lips as I took the gown in.

The dress was absolutely stunning. It was a deep midnight blue that seemed to catch the light in ways that made it shimmer like the late-night sky. It was floor-length with a subtle slit up one side, and the neckline was elegant without revealing too much. I knew without touching it that it cost more than any piece of clothing I’d ever owned.

“May I?” I asked, reaching toward it.

“Of course,” Mira said, stepping aside.

I ran my fingers over the fabric, marveling at its texture. It was both substantial and somehow liquid, the kind of material that would move beautifully. There was nothing flashy about it—no excessive beading or embellishments—yet it was unmistakably exquisite.

“It’s… not what I expected,” I admitted.

“Mr. Ashcroft was very specific about what he wanted,” Mira said. “This dress was specifically made for you.”

Given what I was learning about the man, none of that was surprising and it wasn’t worth getting worked up about it anyway. The focus was on tonight and the connections I could make.

“Shall we get started?” Vanessa asked, gesturing to the chair in front of her.

I nodded, still processing what the hell was happening. As I sat, Elise began gently combing through my hair while Vanessa studied my face.

“How do you usually wear your hair for formal events?” Elise asked.

“Up, typically,” I replied. “I like it off my neck.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “I’m thinking a low, elegant chignon that shows off your neck and jawline. Nothing too severe, but we should keep it light, with a few pieces framing your face.”

“That sounds perfect,” I said and closed my eyes as I tried to relax.

For the next few hours, I let them work their magic. The conversation flowed easily between the three women, and I found myself relaxing despite the strangeness of the situation.

When they finally finished and I stood to approach the full-length mirror, I barely recognized myself. The woman staring back at me looked polished and elegant in ways that went beyond anything I’d ever seen before on me. My makeup and hair were perfection and the dress fit as if it had been poured onto my body.

“You look stunning,” Mira said, making a minor adjustment to the fall of the fabric. “The dress was made for you.”

Well, we all knew it was, but I kept that to myself.

“Thank you,” I said instead, turning slightly to see the back. “All of you. This is… incredible.”

After a few more minor adjustments and some instructions on how to touch up my makeup if needed, the glamour team packed up their supplies and prepared to leave. Once they were gone, I checked my watch and saw that it was just after seven. Cain was due back any time, and we would head to the gala together. At seven-fifteen, I heard the suite door open, followed by Cain’s footsteps. I took one last look in the mirror before walking out to see him in the living-room area.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw Cain. He stood with his back to me, gazing out at the Manhattan skyline. The city lights created a dramatic silhouette around him and was perfectly complemented by his perfectly tailored tuxedo. When he turned around, his eyes widened before he put a lid on his emotions.

“Sutton, you look remarkable.”

“Thank you. The dress is beautiful.”

The way he was looking at me should have been a crime because it made me feel things I didn’t want to feel and hadn’t felt in a long time.

“The dress is merely fabric,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’re what makes it remarkable.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I fiddled with a gold bracelet on my wrist that didn’t need to be touched. When I looked up again, he was still watching me, making goosebumps appear on my skin.

“Shall we?” he asked, gesturing toward the door.

I nodded as he grabbed my coat, helped me into it and together we headed toward the elevator. When we reached the lobby, a limo was waiting for us. Cain held the door as I slid inside and he made sure that my dress wasn’t ruined in any way, shape, or form. As we drove closer to the venue, I found myself growing nervous about what was coming next.

I wasn’t sure if Cain picked up on my nervousness and decided to leave me alone or if he was also preoccupied but the car ride was quiet and short, allowing me to center myself and transform into the Sutton Prescott that took no bullshit.