Arianne stepped out of the car, and the Rochefort Group headquarters rose before her—glass and steel, the name cut into marble above the entrance.
She hadn't entered this building as a participant in years.
Franz was at her side, his hand hovering near her elbow. "Thanks for coming, Aria."
She heard the nerves in his voice before she saw them in his jaw.
"About the twins' proposal—"
"We can talk about that later." She moved toward the entrance. "Focus on what's before us."
He followed. Security waved them through. Nods lingered on her a beat too long. The lobby opened—marble, light, voices that dipped as people registered who had walked in.
Arianne didn't look at them. The rhythm returned without effort. Polite nods. Discreet glances. People noticing without staring. This wasn't her company, yet nothing about the place felt unfamiliar.
At the elevator, Franz pressed the button twice. The doors opened. He didn't step in until she did.
