The Lexington Club was everything I expected, quiet, expensive, and full of people who made a hobby of noticing things.

I saw Vance the moment I walked in. He was standing near the maître d' station, checking his phone. He looked up as I approached.

And he stopped.

For one second... one single, unguarded moment—his professional mask completely fell away. His eyes widened just slightly. They traveled from the sharp line of my black dress to my face, which I'd done differently tonight. Bolder makeup, my hair down and smooth. His lips parted as if he'd been about to say something, but no words came.

He looked... struck.

It lasted...