Chapter 312

• With only four days left until the engagement gala, I felt a subtle knot tighten in my chest every time I checked my phone. No missed calls. No texts. No updates from Meadow Ridge.
• I left my office suite and walked to the private design studio where Rafeal had been quietly working all morning. He was hunched over a slab of ivory resin, chiseling fine details into what looked like a custom cufflink something he’d promised Ryan for the event.
• “Has Master reached out?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. “Any word on when they’re getting in?”