n agreement, Alex sat in the private sui

s, the red pen in her fingers marking cita

or the final hem adjustments before the

the salon's heavy gla

p from the margins

the hardwood floor, accompanied by t

ice commanded from

pen, closed the blue fol

his right arm bent where Hollie Mathis re

ture before the market closes," Basil said, dismissing the roo

jacket, her diamond tulip bracelet

id softly, her smile apologetic and sweet. "Mr. Mcleod wouldn't

down on the velvet sofa, smoothin

Hollie added, patting the cushion beside her. "I brought

jacket and took the leat

said, checking his watch with calculated irritati

the salon director said, stepping forward with an a

e on the marble table, and walke

the heavy double ve

he circular mahogan

tique ivory lace, woven through with microscopic

framed her collarbones w

fell into an absol

r seamstresses froze with their m

pped dead against the platinu

d platform, his mouth parting slightly, caught of

ushions, tilting her head with

. "Though Miss Marsh's courtroom energy is always so fierce and demanding. A romant

wide eyes toward A

t a modern partnership much better, Miss M

s jaw hardening as he leaned back i

oice carrying across the silent salon. "You look like you're preparing

th tailor's chalk in hand. "Shall we lower the neckli

Alex's voice cut through th

ke for one

ped her eyes immedi

retending to adjust a satin

eir eyes fixed entirely o

caught Alex's gaze for half a second, her lip

hair, his face darkening

to humiliate me in front of m

at him from the

said, her amber eyes locking onto his face. "You forfeit

essed down like an iron weight, su

ollie's eyes instantly wel

s trembling as she clutched Basil's jac

pt softly, her voice trembling with perfect vulnerability

apped, his protective temper flaring

ind his shoulder, glaring a

erchief, turning her tearful gaze toward

exhibition gown, encrusted from neckline to tra

delicate finger at the display. "That crystal fishtail gown is breathtaking... Mr