Page 148 of Gathered Sparkle

Veronica’s disapproval radiates off her as she looks back at Novalee. “It’s an evil we must endure if we want to stay in shape, right, dear? Though he could at least make an effort to wear one of the matching outfits I bought him for Christmas.”

Novalee’s reply is quick. “I like this look on him.”

That’s when Nicholas remembers the role he has to play, reaching out and taking Novalee’s hand in his. Then he leans down to press a kiss to her temple. “You’re way too kind to me.”

Huh, that wasn’t played at all.

The stiffening of Novalee’s posture is almost imperceptible—there and gone in a split second—but I catch it. Veronica, thankfully, doesn’t seem to.

“Isn’t that cute?” she asks, her smile as fake as the diamond studs in her assistant’s ears. “Young love.”

The truth is written all overherface too.

“Speaking of dress codes,” I intercept smoothly, flashing Veronica a practiced smile. “We were actually here to ask if Rosie could borrow a Heights uniform or two.”

A flicker of suspicion crosses Veronica’s face. “What for?” she asks, but before I can answer, her expression sharpens, and the suspicion deepens. “Doesn’t she already have one from her little… escapade?”

Shit. I hadn’t thought about that.

“No,” Nicholas says calmly, almost bored. “I brought that one back to the laundry.”

I shoot him a grateful glance, but he doesn’t acknowledge it, keeping his focus on his mother.

Veronica’s expression softens, though her eyes still linger on Novalee for a beat too long. “What do you need it for, dear?”

I force a casual chuckle, waving a hand toward Novalee. “We were talking about the joint venture, the magic hotel, and Rosie here is into fashion. She’s been thinking about how the staff uniforms should look. Something that fits the vibe but is still comfortable for them to wear. That’s why we thought it’d be helpful to get a male and female version to see what works and what doesn’t. The Harrington Heights has the best uniforms on the Strip, after all.”

For a moment, suspicion clouds her face again, but it quickly fades, replaced by a flicker of glee. She believes it. She believes we’re buying into her vision and that we’re invested. She thinks this brings her closer to what she wants.

If only she knew how much closer this brings us to whatwewant.

“Of course.” Veronica turns to her assistant, snapping her fingers. “Grab two standard-size uniforms and bring them here for Rosie.”

The assistant nods and hurries off, leaving Veronica free to turn her attention back to Novalee. “What an amazing idea, dear. Once you’re done with the uniforms, perhaps you could think about curtains, table settings… everything! I have a fantastic interior designer I work with for all my properties. I’m sure he’d love to collaborate with you for the joint venture.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Nicholas gives her an almost sincere smile. “It means a lot.”

Veronica reaches out, resting a manicured hand on Novalee’s forearm. The gesture is deliberate, calculated. “Of course, we’re family.”

I barely manage to suppress a scoff.Family.Right. If she only knew her perfect little world is on the brink of collapse.

Novalee, to her credit, doesn’t flinch under Veronica’s gaze or touch. Instead, she mirrors her smile. “Thank you, Veronica. That means a lot to me too.”

God, she’s good. Too good. And as much as I hate seeing her tangled in this web, I feel a flicker of pride at how flawlessly she’s playing her role. This whole damn game would crumble without her.

Here goes nothing.

“There’s something else I wanted to tell you.”

Veronica lifts an eyebrow, her sharp gaze sliding over me. “Oh?”

“We’re going to have our first show this Sunday.”

“Already?”

“Yes.” I keep my smile easy, disarming. “Levi decided it has to be something different, somethingbigger. To make sure everybody knows we’re back.”

Veronica laughs. “I always admired his flair for the dramatic.” But there is the briefest wrinkle next to her nose.Disgustburied deep. A lie.

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