Page 86 of Shadows of Steel

She waves a dismissive hand. “See, this is what I mean. A walking, talking Excel document.”

I smirk. “Are you finally admitting that you value substance over money?”

Sofia gasps, hand flying to her chest. “How dare you?”

Elena arches a brow. “She’s offended, but she didn’t deny it.”

“You’re both awful.”

Elena and I exchange a glance. “You love us.” I say smoothly.

Sofi sighs dramatically. “Unfortunately.”

Elena leans back, tone casual but pointed. “I told you Luca isn’t for you. You need someone… different.”

She narrows her eyes. “Define different.”

Elena’s smirk is almost imperceptible. “Someone who doesn’t treat life like a balance sheet.”

She crosses her arms. “Nothing happened, if that’s what you’re implying. I’m saving myself for marriage.”

Elena stares at her, unimpressed. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

I snort, and Sofia laughs despite herself.

The conversation flows between us.

Finally, Sofia’s eyes gleam with excitement. “Harlow, had I known you were attending this gala, I would have had a gown delivered to you days ago.”

I smirk. “Well, I only found out myself last night. My husband seems to enjoy keeping me on my toes.”

She exhales, a dramatic tsk following. “Last minute arrangements? Completely unacceptable. I’m sending over a selection anyway, only the finest, of course. Just in case.”

“Of course you are.”

“Better to have them and not need them, darling.”

I shake my head, amused. “Goodbye, love you.”

Sofia blows a kiss to the screen. “Send me pictures!”

“No promises.”

Elena simply nods. “Try not to get yourself killed.”

The call ends, and I set my phone aside. The echoes of my cousins’ voices still linger in my mind as I step out of the spa, the warmth of the day settling over me like a comforting embrace.

Piero nods as we leave, his posture relaxed. Outside, a few more men are stationed near the entrance, acknowledging me, though none meet my gaze directly.

We move through several boutiques, weaving between racks of luxury gowns, each one seemingly more opulent than the last. I slip into one fitting room after another, fabric sliding against my skin, shimmering under the warm lights.

Dresses of every shade, deep reds, emerald greens, blacks with gold embroidery. Yet nothing feels quite right. Until it does.

A dress that clings in all the right places, accentuating sharp lines and soft curves. It’s powerful. Elegant. Unapologetic.

By the time we leave, my hair is freshly styled in sleek waves, my nails pristine, my makeup flawless, and my skin smooth from waxing and treatments. Everything is perfect.

And for the first time in a long time, I feel like myself. The day has been a distraction I hadn’t known I needed. And though I should be exhausted, I feel filled with energy. For a moment, I let myself enjoy the illusion of peace.