JULIET
The dayof the gala is all hands on deck. This is the biggest event that Sterling Cross has ever hosted, and it’s the hottest ticket in town: The event’s at the Plaza hotel ballroom, there’ll be a red carpet with the world’s most famous celebrities—all wearing the brand’s finest pieces—plus press, social luminaries, corporate partners…
All eyes will be on the company, so it’s no wonder every staff member is working overtime on a Sunday, making sure everything goes off without a hitch. I barely see Caleb all day, but he sends me a text.
Pick you up at six.
I swallow my nerves. “OK if I take off now?” I ask Victoria, an hour before showtime. “I need to change for the event.”
I haven’t told her I’ll be walking in on the CEO’s arm. I figure that’s a surprise better left until the last minute.
“Did you coordinate with the catering company, and double check the seating charts?” she demands, looking stressed.
“Yes,” I tell her. “And I also took care of a few more things on your list.” I pass over the stack of pages, detailing all the extra details. “You looked like you could use the help.”
“Oh.” Victoria blinks, surprised. “Thank you. I suppose you could duck out now,” she says grudgingly. “You’ll need to clean up, we have to set a tone.”
That counts as a favor, I guess, so I don’t ask twice, I grab my things and get out of there.
But I don’t go home.
I head to the Upper East Side instead. To Olivia’s townhouse.
Standing on the steps, I brace myself—just like the last time I was here.
The butler answers and leads me to the front room, where Olivia is standing on a dais in front of a floor-length mirror, in a blinding golden gown. A small seamstress is scurrying around the platform, straight-pins between her lips.
“Juliet!” Olivia beams, spotting me in the reflection of the mirror. “How are you? I was just thinking we should have a talk before the gala. To get on the same page. Sit.”
I don’t sit. I suck in a breath. I force my voice to stay steady. “Olivia. I came here to tell you—”
“Maybe a little more leg?” she interrupts, studying her reflection. “It is a party, after all.”
“Of course, Miss Cross.”
I clear my throat and try again. “Olivia. We really need to talk. About our… Arrangement.”
I eye the woman, and Olivia seems to realize something’s wrong. “Of course,” she says. “Magda, would you give us a moment please? There are refreshments in the kitchen.”
The seamstress makes a polite exit, leaving us alone.
“Good idea,” Olivia says, stepping off the dais. “We need to keep this confidential, until all our ducks are in a row.”
I swallow hard. “There won’t be any ducks,” I say. “I mean, I can’t do this anymore.”
Olivia freezes. “What are you saying, Juliet?” She turns, giving me a searching look.
I glance away. “I can’t help you find evidence against Caleb, because there’s nothing to find. He cares about Sterling Cross, your families’ legacy. Whatever he’s doing, I’m sure it’s in the best interests of the company.” I say quietly. “And what you’re trying to do here… I don’t want any part of it.”
“Are you kidding me?!” Olivia’s voice echoes, harsh and furious.
I step back, shocked by the vitriol in her eyes.
She takes a breath. “I just mean, what happened?” she asks, smoothing her dress down, collecting herself. “You told me, you had suspicions. The phone calls, his behavior. What changed?”
I look down.
“Oh.” Realization dawns. “He’s seduced you. I should’ve known.”