Eira followed Lila to a designer boutique near the center of the mall.
Natalie and Kate trailed a few steps behind, still debating which store to visit next.
The glass doors were locked. A brass sign read:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Lila pulled out her phone. One quick call, and the manager appeared less than thirty seconds later to unlock the door.
"Miss Reed. Welcome back."
Eira glanced at Lila. "Reed?"
"My mother's family name," Lila said. "I use it for private bookings. The Sterling name has a way of turning a quiet shopping trip into a full security operation."
The manager stepped aside. "Right this way, Miss Reed."
Eira followed Lila inside.
The store was all cream carpet, soft lighting, and clothes without visible price tags. Voices drifted from a private fi
