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I signed the letter and arranged for it to be delivered to her suite.

Chapter 12

Emilia

A knock came shortly after I had arrived at my suite. When I opened the door, a member of staff handed me an envelope bearing the Blackwood Hall crest. Inside was an invitation from Alexander, polite and professional, thanking me for my handling of the recent security incidents and inviting me to dinner the following evening to discuss Project Aurora’s future at Blackwood Hall.

Transportation had been arranged and a car would be waiting for me in front of Residential Tower A at seven o’clock. The language was entirely institutional. After what had happened in the office today, I had every reason to believe it was. The thought of someone entering my office still unsettled me. I didn’t know how they had gotten in, what they had seen, or what Security would find. There was nothing unusual about Alexander wanting to discuss Aurora with me.

I didn’t recognize the name of the restaurant, but I knew the street well.

I wondered why he had chosen it before reminding myself that the location was likely irrelevant. I looked over the invitation once more. His personal number was written beneath his name. I picked up my phone before I could give myself time to overthink it.

Thank you for the invitation. I’d be happy to join you tomorrow evening.

His reply came less than a minute later.

I’m glad. I look forward to seeing you.

I stared at the message for a few seconds longer than necessary before calling Charlotte. She answered immediately. There was a pause after I read the invitation to her.

“Tomorrow night,” she said.

“Yes.”

“Dinner?”

“That’s what it says.”

Another pause. “And it is about work?”

“Yes. The security incidents have created legitimate concerns about the future of Aurora at Blackwood. It is completely reasonable to discuss—”

“Emilia.”

“What?”

“Put the invitation down and listen to these words.”

I did as Charlotte requested.

“He chose a restaurant, he didn’t schedule a meeting. He booked a table, not a conference room.”

I nodded even though Charlotte couldn’t see me. Was this him leaning toward me?

“Now, tell me,” Charlotte said. “What are you planning on wearing?”

* * *

As Charlotte promised, she arrived at my suite at six on Sunday to help me prepare. I was already dressed in a burgundy cashmere dress that fell just below my knees. It was comfortable and warm. I had paired it with knee-high black boots, nude stockings, and my favorite ruby ring. She looked me over slowly.

“The dress is right,” she said.

“Thank you.”

Her eyes dropped to the necklace Sofia had given me. “It’s perfect.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “It’s just dinner. Professional. About security.”