Conversations paused.
Sales associates straightened.
Several clients discreetly glanced in their direction.
Not because of Alaric.
Not because of Elena.
Because of both of them together.
The sight was striking.
They looked exactly like what newspapers loved to write about.
Old money.
New power.
Two influential families joining through marriage.
The future Mr. and Mrs. Hale.
Unfortunately, neither of them looked particularly thrilled about it.
A manager hurried forward immediately.
His smile nearly reached his ears.
"Mr. Hale, Miss Vaughn. Welcome."
"We have prepared the private consultation suite for you."
Alaric sighed internally.
Of course they had.
Nothing about today was optional.
As they followed the manager through the showroom, Elena became increasingly aware of the attention surrounding them.
Whispers.
Curious glances.
Lingering stares.
Most people were polite enough not to be obvious.
Most.
Not all.
