Chapter 82

Emma stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the neckline of her black evening gown for the tenth time. The dress was elegant and expensive—chosen specifically for tonight’s announcement. She looked successful. Powerful. Ready to make history.

She also looked like she was about to throw up.

“You look beautiful, Mama,” Charlotte said from the bed, where she was supposed to be sleeping but was instead watching Emma get ready.

“Thank you, baby. But you should be asleep.”

“I know. But you look nervous.”

Emma forced a smile. “Just excited about my work party.”

“Is Daddy excited too?”

Emma’s smile faltered. “Daddy’s... at his own work party tonight.”

It wasn’t a lie, exactly. Alek was attending the same gala, just not with her. Not with any idea of what was about to happen.

“That’s silly,” Charlotte said. “Why don’t you go to the same party?”

“Sometimes grown-ups have different work things.”

“That’s dumb.”

Emm