Chapter 10

Elarie’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as the boutique staff continued to smile at her. They clearly misunderstood the situation. “No, no,” she stammered, trying to clarify. “I’m just an employee. Mr. Scott is my boss.”

The staff exchanged knowing glances. Their smiles widened as if they were all in on some secret that Elarie wasn’t. One of them even chuckled softly, offering a polite, “Of course, dear.”

Elarie pressed her lips together. She just realized there was no point in arguing further. The women clearly didn’t believe her. And she didn’t have the energy to explain herself again. Just as the makeup artist finished applying the last touch of powder to her face, the door opened. Collin entered with a perfectly pressed, dry-cleaned outfit in his hand.

Danreb glanced at the clothes, then shifted it at Elarie. “Go change,” he instructed.

Elarie nodded. She took the clothes from Collin and walked toward the boutique’s powder room. Once inside, she changed into the new outfit—a s