Melody descended the grand central staircase, her hand trailing along the polished wood of the banister. The gentle hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter drifted in from the gardens below. Her breath caught as she spotted Elliot waiting near the back entrance. He turned, sensing her presence, and his eyes widened when they landed on her.
“Well, this is certainly not a Gold Peak dress,” Elliot remarked, a hint of amusement curling his lips. Relief flooded through her; he wasn’t upset.
“So you’re not angry? It isn’t very… modest,” she said, glancing down at the gown. Its sleeveless design and thigh-high slit left her feeling oddly confident, but much more exposed. She lifted her leg slightly to demonstrate.
Elliot tilted his head, taking in her appearance. “No, it certa
