A large chandelier hung in the middle, encompassing all three floors. The top two wrapped around it with a glass railing holding back some of the salesclerks. They looked down at us, and when they recognized me, they whispered amongst themselves.

One was at my side in less than a minute.

“Mr. King,” she greeted with a warm smile. “May I take your jacket?” Her uniform was spotless, hair tied back in a flawless updo. Even her makeup screamed minimalistic and clean.

Kian sure has his branding together.

I shook my head and pushed Addi forward.

“We have a charity gala,” I said. “We need something…”

For the first time, I truly looked at Addi. Before that moment, I’d seen her, but I don’t think I had actually taken in her state.

The bags were dark under her eyes, her skin pale and flat. Her lips, chapped. Her hair was down and looked like it had recently been cut, but I could make out the leftover cheap dye job.

She might have dolled herself up for the auction, but once the makeup was washed off and the fancy clothes were gone, this was Addi.

What happened to her?

“Ah, the one at L'Atelier de Luxe, right?’ she asked, her knowledge of the event shocking me.

“Yes.” My voice was curt.

She lit up at that. “I think I have the perfect thing. Mr. Knight was rumored to be attending as well. He would be delighted to see one of his pieces among the art.”

She held out her hand for Addi, but instead of motioning for her to enter, she held it out for her to take it. An oddly warm gesture.

Addi hesitated before putting her hand in hers.

“My name is Violet, and I am honored to be dressing you today,” she said with a smile.

Addi’s cheeks started to turn a glorious shade of pink.

“Addison,” she said.

“Right this way.” She led her into the store before turning to me. “Mr. King, do feel free to take fitting room one. There is coffee and pastries there for you to indulge in.”

Coffee. I was in desperate need of it. With each passing moment, I was feeling my body get heavier and heavier.

“I expect to see them,” I told Addi before they left.

“Don’t worry,” she said with annoyance in her tone. “I’ll make sure to get your approval before purchase.”

Her attitude had my cock hardening, but I was too tired to care.

I went to the waiting room and sunk into the large white couch they provided while waiting for my own Addi fashion show.

I was tired, but I wasn’t dead.

11

ADDISON

Violet was too nice to be true.

I mean, she was a salesperson, so there was supposed to be a certain level of flattery, but something about it just felt so genuine and had me letting my guard down almost immediately.