I stood in front of the mirror one last time, smoothing down my long black dress. The gala was happening right here at our mansion tonight. I knew Jake would be coming with Ryan’s sister. That part I prepared for. I practiced my polite smile in the mirror, planned routes through the rooms, even picked heels that let me move fast if I needed to dodge him. One wrong look from him and I would find Ryan or step into a group. Simple. But I had no idea Marcus and Sophia would show up too.
Ryan had mentioned the guest list was big, but he never said anything about Sophia handling a case for one of his investors. I only found out later that the client invited her and Marcus along. If I knew earlier, I might have stayed upstairs longer or made some excuse. Now it was too late.
By evening the mans
