The dress felt like a statement.
Not just a fabric.
Not just style.
But a message.
I stood in front of the mirror staring at my reflection. The deep red foen fits perfectly, elegant and bold—almost identical to the one Victoria wore at the gala.
Only this time.
It was on me.
“You're sure about this?” Adrian’s voice came from behind.
I met his eyes through the mirror.
“No.”
He stepped closer.
“But you're still doing it.”
“Yes.”
I turned to face him.
“She thinks she can intimidate me.”
His gaze darkened slightly.
“And you want to price her wrong.”
“I want to stop feeling like I'm being chased.”
Silence lingered for a moment.
Then Adrian nodded.
“Then we don't run.”
Something about the way he says it steadied me.
———————————————————————————
The event was sm
