The charity event had drawn the city’s elite, pouring in as men in tailored suits with women wearing expensive jewels as their laughter mingled with the clink of champagne glasses.

Ellse stood near the edge of the grand room, the gold necklace cool against her skin. It was beautiful, no doubt, but it sat there like an extra weight on her skin. After her encounter with Lucas and every other preparation that had to be carried out, she changed into a dress fitting for the event with a quick makeup touch-up.

She smoothed her dress, a deep emerald that hugged her just enough to show the very faint curve of...