The house was chaos wrapped in luggage.

Suitcases lined the foyer like soldiers. Garment bags hung from doorframes. Shoes scattered.

Tessa stood in the hallway, phone to her ear, directing staff as she folded a last sweater into her carry-on.

“Yes, the navy suit—the one with the subtle pinstripe. And the cufflinks with the black onyx. No, the other ones.”

Roman’s voice came through on speaker: “Tessa, if you forget anything, I’ll buy it there. Just get on the plane.”

Tessa smiled despite the rush. “You say that now. Wait till you’re missing your lucky tie.”

Salima hurried down the stairs, her phone in one hand, coffee in the other....