CHAPTER 41

RENEE

Today was finally the day I had been anxiously waiting for, and I had already received a call from Malcolm. He reminded me, in his typical stern tone, that despite returning to New York for justice, I couldn't let my personal mission affect the business. I understood; the stakes were high, and any misstep on my part could cost us dearly.

Dressed in a sleek black dress that seemed to reflect my mood, I had my hair styled in a messy bun, and my makeup artist had applied a strawberry-toned look that highlighted my features subtly but elegantly.

As I reached for the jewelry I had selected to match my dress, I was in the middle of clasping a bracelet when I heard a knock at the door. I knew it couldn't be the makeup artist or stylist; they had left some time ago, and the preparations were complete. "Come in," I called, not taking my eyes off the bracelet.