The war had begun.
And Laura Reed smiled first.
Of course she did.
Her fingers tightened around Dominic’s arm—not enough for anyone else to notice, just enough for him to feel the warning in it.
Her polished smile slid back into place as she adjusted her shoulders and lifted her chin.
Perfect.
Radiant.
Untouchable.
Only Emma saw the crack.
Only Emma saw the split second of panic before Laura masked it.
“Don’t,” Dominic muttered under his breath.
Laura’s smile sharpened.
“Don’t what?”
His jaw flexed.
“Cause a scene.”
Laura laughed softly, still smiling for the people around them.
“Darling,” she whispered, “I’m preventing one.”
And before he could stop her—
she moved.
Dominic had no choice but to follow.
*****
Emma saw them coming.
Of course she did.
Laura’s walk was i
