Chapter 84

The hum of the city outside faded into the background as Amelia Cole stepped into her office at Satin & Sage. The glass walls reflected her poise, her stride as sharp as the clicking of her heels across the polished marble floor. Gone was the weary woman of sleepless nights and silent tears, of course, months ago, this Amelia was sculpted by fire. Confident, sophisticated and untouchable.

Ryan followed closely, balancing his tablet and a slim file, his usual calm demeanor intact. He knew her well enough to recognize that the slight stiffness in her shoulders meant she was holding something back.

Amelia dropped her bag on the desk with measured grace, but her eyes, usually so composed, narrowed as she turned to face him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, her voice cool but carrying the weight of accusation.

Ryan looked up from the file, puzzled.

“Tell you what?”

“Where the board meeting was being held,” she pressed, her tone tightening. “You