Page 119 of PR Stunt

I meet Luca’s gaze in the mirror, steady, unwavering. “Positive.”

Luca doesn’t argue, but the slight arch of his brow tells me he doesn’t believe me either. Instead, he reaches for a fresh brush and turns his focus back to me, smoothing out the last touches of highlighter along my cheekbones.

“You’ve barely had a second to breathe,” he murmurs, more to himself than to me.

Another article came out about Grayson, highlighting his long list of former flames and speculating if I’m just the latest in a revolving door of “It Girls.” Miranda jumped on it and got it taken down, but still, it only confirmed everything I already knew.

Luca tilts my chin slightly, inspecting his work before nodding in satisfaction. “Okay, done. What do we think?”

I look at myself in the mirror, seeing exactly what everyone else will see. Wavy hair. Sculpted cheekbones. Soft, smoky eyes. The version of me that always photographs well.

“Perfect,” I say.

Luca steps back, setting down his brush just as Sienna slips into the suite, a garment bag draped over her arm. “Your masterpiece has arrived,” she declares, lifting the dress with a flourish.

Luca gives a small nod. “Gorg! Once you change, I’ll finish up. I’ll be right outside,” he says, slinging his kit over his shoulder. “Just knock when you’re ready, Char.”

Once the last clasp is secured, I smooth my hands down the fabric, grounding myself in the weight of it. Ivory fabric wraps close through the bodice, gathered and sculpted through the waist before loosening into soft pleats that fall to the floor. The neckline leaves my shoulders bare, clean and deliberate, while feathers skim the hem like a final flourish, softening something that might otherwise feel too sharp. Sienna kneels, lifts the lid off a shoebox, and pulls out the silver heels she’s chosen for the night. I slip them on, fastening the delicate straps with steady hands. She stands, giving me a final once-over before resting a hand on my shoulder. A brief squeeze. A silent acknowledgment. Then she steps out of the bathroom, leaving me alone with my reflection.

“You look beautiful, Char.” Hailey’s voice is soft from behind me.

My chest tightens, and I offer her a small smile.

I hear Anna’s voice filtering through the suite, already launching into strategy. “Press lineup is tight, but I’ll make sure we get at least two solo shots of her before—”

I square my shoulders, push out of the bathroom, and meet Anna’s sharp, assessing look.

“Perfect,” she says, nodding approvingly. “Right on schedule.”

Luca and Sienna leave the suite.

Anna stays put, adjusting the watch on her wrist. “Usual drill,” she says, voice even. “Sell the love story. Not that we really need to, considering how well everything’s gone. Especially after Mexico. Whoever’s writing those articles bashing Grayson clearly has a vendetta. He definitely pissed off a journalist at some point. But not to worry.”

She glances up, giving me a look. “Tonight still needs to go smoothly.”

I press my lips together, schooling my expression. Home stretch. Just a few more hours, and this entire thing will be behind me.

Anna studies me for a moment and then says carefully, “Look, I have no clue what happened while you two were gone, but—”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” I cut in, sharper than I mean to. “Nothing happened. It was a work trip. I did what everyone asked of me, and I told you I was sick.”

Anna sighs, tilting her head. “Char, it’s okay if it meant more to you.”

A dull pressure settles in my chest, but I shake my head before she can say anything else. “I’ll meet you in the shuttle.”

She hesitates. “Are you sure?”

I force a small smile. “Anna, yes. I can meet you all in the car. I just want a moment by myself.”

She still looks unconvinced, but I don’t give her room to press further. Instead, I add lightly, “Besides, I need to go to the bathroom. If I wait much longer, it’s going to become a whole situation.”

Anna lets out a quiet laugh, the tension easing just a little. “See you downstairs.” The door clicks shut behind her.

Just a few more hours, and then it will be over, I keep reminding myself.

Chapter 37

I grab my clutch from the dresser, the cool metal clasp pressing against my palm as I make my way to the bathroom. One final look. One last moment alone before Grayson’s premiere begins. I lift a hand, adjusting one loose blonde wave near my temple, and then I inhale deeply.