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Marcus smiles, raising a brow. “You’re sure? Because a week ago, you wouldn’t stop griping about how bored you were.”

I glance out the window. “It’s not boring. It’s… different now.”

He waits.

“I built this company to handle corporate security. Executive protection, international travel, asset movement, sensitive intel. I don’t do celebs and media all up in my business, and I never take jobs with personal ties. I had rules.”

Marcus stares at me over the rim of his mug. “And Wren broke every single one.”

“She did but that’s not her fault. That’s mine. I let it happen. I made an exception. And now… I don’t know where I stand with her.”

Marcus doesn’t press. He lets the silence settle. That’s why he’s my second. He knows when to talk and when to let me work it out myself.

I dig into my breakfast and let the structure of my business ground me. The company I built after years of working chaos. I made a name for myself by being calm, effective, and selective.

My contracts are air-tight. Risk assessments get triple-checked. I don’t gamble on people anymore. Not unless they show they’re worth it.

And now I’m trying to pretend like Wren Sinclair isn’t the first person in years who made me want the mess again.

“I still care about the work,” I say at last. “I still get that adrenaline. But now, it’s about being in control. Choosing what I say yes to.”

“And Wexler checks the boxes?”

I nod. “Wexler checks the boxes.”

He studies me for a beat, then stabs a piece of steak. “Alright. I’ll run point on client coordination. You want me to prep a full logistics packet?”

“Yeah. And keep Miles close. If Wren’s launch event goes smooth and she and Eric move out without incident, I’ll be ready to shift back into rotation by next week.”

Marcus leans back, satisfied.

I finish the last bite of my scramble and push the plate away.

“After the launch, I’ll know if she wants me back.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Then I go back to the job. Full-time. No mess. No exceptions.”

But the truth is, I’m not sure that life fits anymore. I might’ve built my company to eliminate chaos. But now I’m wondering if the right chaos is what I’ve needed all along.

21

WREN

The sun hangs low over the Hollywood Hills, casting a soft golden wash across the glass walls of the Elysian Conservatory. Perched at the edge of the cliffs, the venue feels like it’s floating—an open-air botanical haven wrapped in light and citrus.

This is the moment.

A gentle breeze carries the fresh scent of lemon blossom and eucalyptus over sleek white lounge chairs. Every detail is curated from the silk canopy tents in soft cream to the interactive skincare stations with gold-rimmed mirrors, “Glow Lounge” wellness nooks where guests sip citrus-infused water and try facial mists infused with white lotus and lemon balm.

Above the arched entrance, delicate script glows in the light:

Reclaim Your Glow

The new Lemon Glow collection tagline—part mantra, part mission.

I stand just beyond the main pavilion adjusting the lapels of my cream silk blazer. Beneath it, a champagne slip dress shimmers faintly in the sun. It’s the most “me” I’ve felt in weeks.