Guy grinned. "Best sound I’ve heard all day."
She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks glowed. "Anyway," she changed the subject, "what’s the plan for today?"
He pulled out his phone, switching back into his business tone, though his eyes were still dancing. "We start by scanning through some properties for your company headquarters. Once you pick one, we make a deposit. After that? The glamorous part, networking. Mingling. Letting people know who you are and what your work is about."
She took a deep breath. "Good thing I’m wearing one of my own designs then."
Guy paused and looked at her with startling pride. "It’s amazing."
She shrugged, slightly self-conscious. "I didn’t actually sew it. I just... sketched it. Then my designer brought it to life."
"Well then," he said, stepping back and sweeping his arm out theatrically like a red-carpet usher, "tonight, you’re not just the mind behind the magic. You are the magic. You’re going to be your own model. You ready?"
Chay took one last glance at herself in the hallway mirror, flashing eyes, steady hands, heart thudding and gave a small nod. "Ready as I’ll ever be."
And as they stepped out into the evening, Guy realized this wasn’t just about launching a brand. It was about unveiling a woman who, for far too long, had mistaken hiding for humility. And tonight, she was finally shining.
Drake stood just inside the grand hall’s entryway, one hand in his pocket. He tensed slightly as Queen’s signature matte black Range Rover purred into the car park like a lioness ready to prowl. He wasn’t sure if it was the car or the woman in it that made him straighten his posture instinctively.
The door clicked open, and there she was in all her golden, glimmering, shimmering glory. The dress looked like it had been dipped in glitter, one-shouldered and determined to blind anyone within a ten-foot radius. Sequins sparkled as she stepped out, her every move rehearsed and rhythmic, hips swaying like she was born to walk a red carpet.
"You look great," Drake said, pressing a kiss to her cheek, careful not to smudge anything. He meant it too, even if the compliment lacked its usual enthusiasm. Queen always knew how to make an entrance; it just didn’t surprise him anymore.
"I know," she replied breezily, tossing her hair. "This is such a great idea, isn’t it? A soirée where clients can actually make purchases? Like, instant engagement. I should totally try this with our investors."
Drake nodded, offering a diplomatic smile. "I think you could make it work."
"Right?" she said, looping her arm into the crook of his elbow. They stepped into the glowing, bustling hall. All around them were sleek tables, champagne glasses catching the light, and apparently wealthy people. Dozens of guests were already mingling in cliques, the atmosphere buzzed with charm.
Queen scanned the room. "Isn’t that Guy Pique?" she asked, pointing toward a far corner where Guy stood, mid-conversation with two high-profile clients from Verna’s growing list. He was laughing, a charming, casual laugh that made people feel like they were in on the best secret in the room.
"Who?" Drake asked, following her finger but sounding distracted.
"Chayara’s business advisor. I met him the other day at her apartment," Queen said. Her words sharpened slightly.
Drake lifted a brow. "Looking for a property? Just like us?" he offered. "And I thought Chay said his name was Gi?"
"Yeah, I don’t understand why she calls him that," Queen muttered, tone clipped. But she wasn’t really focused on Guy anymore.
Because something shifted in Drake.
His posture. His eyes. His attention.
Queen turned her head slowly, tracing his gaze across the room.
Standing near a group of women who looked like they were auditioning to be her best friends was Chayara. The women were giggling, admiring her dress, the way she glowed with quiet confidence. Chay’s black gown hugged her figure, and even her hair seemed to shine with a kind of rebel elegance. She was laughing softly, unaware that across the room, she was the eye of someone else’s storm.
Queen’s lips twitched. Not in a smile.
She looked back at Drake and he had the same look he used to give her.
But it wasn’t for her now. It was for Chay.
Her stomach twisted. First, she found them whispering across a table at the restaurant a few days ago, Drake’s hand suspiciously close to Chay’s. And now, he looked at her like she wasn’t just arm candy... but like she was the whole damn dessert table.
"Isn’t that Chayara?" Drake finally said, like it had to sneak past his own curiosity to be heard.
Queen’s eyes didn’t even bother to follow his gaze again. She already knew. Of course, it’s Chayara. She managed to keep her tone breezy. "It sure is," she answered, tacking on a smile that didn’t quite make it to her eyes.
But the surprised admiration look in his eyes, as though he were seeing the woman for the first time kept picking at her. It was the kind of look that belonged in romance novels. And it had no business living on her husband’s face while looking at another woman.
"What is she doing here?" he asked.
"Looking for a property just like we are?" Queen snapped, each word dipped in sarcasm. She didn’t wait for a reply. "I’m going to get a drink," she added, as she headed to the bar like it was a battlefield.
She was halfway to hydration when Guy’s voice floated through the air, smooth as a podcast host, loud enough to make sure everyone heard the gospel he was preaching.
"She is the new big thing coming to town. Just look at her. She did that. And when the time comes, I hope you’re all ready to put your money where your eyes are, gentlemen," Guy said, motioning subtly toward Chayara like she was some kind of art installation.