The request—so unexpected and uncharacteristically vulnerable—caught Emma off guard. "I have no intention of being cruel to Jack. We've both moved on."

"Have you?" Veronica studied her. "Because the press seems determined to reignite every possible conflict tonight."

"The press thrives on conflict. That doesn't mean we have to provide it."

Veronica seemed satisfied with this answer. "Good. Then we understand each other."

"How did you get up here anyway?" Emma asked as the model turned to leave.

"I used to date the arena security director in Milan." Veronica shrugged elegantly. "Men in that position tend to think alike across continents."

After she departed, Emma returned to the owner's box,...