Page 33

CHAPTER 32

Alana

Sunlight filters through the studio windows.

I’m perched on the edge of our boardroom table, tablet in hand, as the team gathers around.

Tessa flips through the final mood board printouts like she’s conducting a symphony.

“We’re officially one week out from the winter launch,” she announces, sliding the top page forward so everyone can see the gallery layout.

“Final pieces go in Wednesday morning. Jenyx’s centrepiece arrives Thursday. And lighting guys confirmed for Friday afternoon.”

I look at Tessa.

She’s glowing. She’s in her element.

“And the new risers should be here by Tuesday at the latest. I want everything elevated and frosted.”

“The frost finish on the pedestals is so good,” I say to her.

“It’s giving enchanted ice palace, in the best way.”

Tessa nods.

“The gallery’s thrilled. Biggest crowd they’ve had lined up for a collab in years.”

I flick through my notes.

“And security?”

“Double confirmed,” Tessa says.

“Hunter helped. His company is sending over three guys.”

“Perfect,” I say.

“I want eyes on everything. Last thing I need is someone slipping a ring into their Chanel purse when the champagne kicks in.”

Everyone laughs, but the air still feels focused.

Tessa claps her hands once.

“Okay, that’s the logistics. Let’s make some magic, people!”

As the others peel off toward their stations, she lingers behind, a grin curling at the corners of her mouth.

“What?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“I can’t believe you’re turning twenty-eight this weekend.”

I groan.

“Please don’t say it out loud. I’m still emotionally twenty-four.”

“Well, your emotional age is irrelevant because your actual age is being celebrated. Friday. Table booked at Nova. Bottle service ready. We’re going full glam. Me, you, Kyra, maybe Riley if she doesn’t bail for a date.”

I would be nothing without my girls.

In a world that’s often too chaotic, too unpredictable, they’ve always been my constant.

The ones who remind me of who I really am beneath all the layers I’ve built to protect myself.

It’s been such an intense few months, between the launch and training with Hunter, that I haven’t had a moment to just breathe and have a real girls’ night.

My birthday seems like the perfect excuse to hit pause and step back into the warmth of my friendships.

I laugh. “She probably will.”

“You’re not getting out of this, by the way,” Tessa says, wagging a finger at me.

“You will wear something impractical and sparkly. You will drink something bubbly. You will dance.”

Tessa needs this night too.

As hard as I’ve been working, I know she’s been working even harder.

While I’ve focused on the products and vision, she’s been up early and working late, making sure everything is perfect.

I can feel the weight she’s carrying.

But it’s not just work.

Tessa has been there for me, helping me process everything after the kidnapping with love and humour.

She’s pulled me back from the dark when I didn’t know how to move forward.

We both deserve this night.

A chance to step away from the grind, to let go and have some fun.

This isn’t just a celebration for me.

It’s for both of us, a reward for surviving the storm together.

“Yes, mom.”

“Don’t test me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

She beams and turns around, heels clicking across the concrete floor as she disappears.

I stay behind, tablet in hand, looking out over the collection.

It used to feel like armour.

Now it just feels like mine.

Silver and icy blues.

Brutalist lines softened by delicate engraving.

It’s all happening.

And somehow, I feel ready to let go of control.

If only for a little.