THE hum of the city outside faded into the background as Amelia Cole stepped into her office at Satin & Sage. The glass walls reflected her poise, her stride as sharp as the clicking of her heels across the polished marble floor. Gone was the weary woman of sleepless nights and silent tears, of course, months ago, this Amelia was sculpted by fire. Confident, sophisticated and untouchable.

Ryan followed closely, balancing his tablet and a slim file, his usual calm demeanor intact. He knew her well enough to recognize that the slight stiffness in her shoulders meant she was holding something back.

Amelia dropped her bag on the desk with...