She stared at them, momentarily hypnotized, barely hearing Monique say, “It was nice to meet you, Julia. Don’t forget what I said.”

Snap out of it, she told herself. This woman practically offered you a job in Beijing. “I won’t. Thank you so much.”

Monique reached into a scarlet leather clutch that popped fabulously against her black dress. “My card.”

The editor in chief of a Du Jour edition was giving Jules her business card. She was just doing it because Vivian had been rude (and why had Vivian been rude?), but that wasn’t the point. Jules took it with a stammered thanks, barely remembering to give Monique her own card in return. It would probably go in the trash, but etiquette mattered.

Vivian was waiting for her by the door, her glare so sharp that everyone was giving her a wide berth.

“Uh, sorry,” Jules said as she reached her. “I was just saying goodbye.”

“You took your time. I’d like to get back to the house sometime this year.”

She couldn’t help saying, “You mean literally?”

Vivian rolled her eyes and stalked toward the coat attendant.

Jules followed the shoulders, the hair, and the graceful arms. She hoped it wasn’t obvious to anybody else that she was ogling Vivian from behind, but she couldn’t help herself. At least the voluminous skirt hid Vivian’s ass.

They got their coats and headed for the hotel entrance. Vivian didn’t pause to speak to any party guests in the foyer. She didn’t even look at Jules. She was a little flushed, but she remained stone-faced as she threw the shawl around her shoulders.

Jules waited until they were in the cold night air to ask, “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.” Vivian still didn’t look at her. Camera flashes started going off all around them as the photographers haunting the building realized a celebrity had just exited. “Where’s the car?”

Jules pointed at the Jaguar pulling up to the curb. Jimmy had spotted them, thank God. “Right th—”

“It’s about time.” Vivian descended the steps with Jules watching anxiously to make sure she didn’t slip in her high heels.

Before they got into the car, she dared ask, “You’re feeling okay, right?”

“Yes,” Vivian snapped as she slid inside while Jimmy held the door for her. Jules followed suit and silently buckled her seatbelt. They pulled away.

Jules braced herself. Three…two…one…

“Well.” Vivian’s tone could have iced over the windows. “I’ve never had anyone attempt to poach an employee right in front of me before.”

“I don’t think that’s what she was doing,” Jules said in surprise. “She didn’t offer me a job right now or anything.” She just said I could call her when I’m done with being your assistant. Done with you.