"Push the doors open," Alexander instructed the guard.
"I need to see an invitation," the guard replied, stepping firmly in front of the heavy oak doors of the Grand Plaza ballroom.
"We are not on the guest list," I said.
"Then you need to turn around, ma'am. This is a private event. The entire building is locked down."
"Check your earpiece," Alexander said, his tone flat. "Channel four. Ask your shift commander about the new directive."
The guard frowned, pressing a finger to his ear. "Command, I have two uninvited..." He trailed off. His expression shifted rapidly from annoyed to pale. He swallowed hard, stepping back.
He shoved the heavy oak doors open without another word.
Seventy-two hours after I left the estate in a freezing taxi, I walked right back into Julian's world.
My black stilettos sank into the plush carpet. I avoided the velvet ropes and the crimson runner entirely. I wore a deep red gown, the exact shade of a fresh wound. I stepped straight into the shadows near the back pillars, letting the darkness swallow my silhouette.
"You cut it close," Alexander whispered, stepping out from behind a marble column. He handed me a crystal flute of champagne.
"Traffic was terrible," I replied, taking the glass.
"What did your security chief tell that guard?"
"That you sign his paychecks now," Alexander replied smoothly. "And that if he delays you by even a second, he will be looking for a new career."
"Efficient."
"I try."
"Look at the monitors," Alexander pointed toward the front of the room.
Massive LED screens flanked the altar, broadcasting the ceremony in high definition. A digital counter in the bottom corner of the nearest screen ticked upward, tallying live donations from the assembled guests to the newlyweds' foundation fund.
I watched the number climb and felt nothing but cold clarity.
"They are crowdfunding their happy ending with my grandmother's legacy," I murmured. I straightened the document hidden against my chest. "Let us go correct the record."
Alexander gave a single nod and stepped toward the doors. "After you, Ms. Vance."
