Turning the card over, it simply noted the title of the painting in the front as “Wintery Solace” by Jin Daiyu. She painted, too? Of course she did. I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as I stared at the delicate strokes for the pine needles. There had been no mention of the calla lilies, although Daiyu knew it had been my mother’s favorite flower after discussing my tattoo. I’d never given flowers to anyone before, much less received them from a girl.

What was Daiyu’s game?

I didn’t know her well enough to gauge if this was simply a thoughtful gesture or polite you etiquette for teaching her to climb or—

What the hell was I doing?

I tossed the card onto the table and dictated a message to Victor. “I need a tuxedo. Make me look good.”

It’s a rough canvas I’m working with, Vic responded immediately, but I’m so brilliant at what I do, you’ll be irresistible.

Laughing under my breath, I scrubbed a hand through my hair. It might be too soon to understand Daiyu’s motivation, but what did it matter when I had received a personal invite to her exclusive party?

I sent a message to Lingyi: I’m going to Jin’s residence. Daiyu invited me.

That didn’t take long, she replied.

I think she likes me . . . , I nearly said, but instead dictated, “Why should it?”

I’m impressed, Lingyi responded. Give me 24 hours then I’ll prep you.

•  •  •

Daiyu lived within walking distance of the 101, but Victor booked an airlimo for me for the gala night.

“You’re not walking to this soiree,” Vic said. “Absolutely not.” He swept a hand over the black lapels of my Burberry tuxedo, then tilted his head and adjusted my bow tie. He had agonized over which brand and style tux I should wear and had finally settled on a sleek-fitting wool tux in a deep navy blue, tailored to fit perfectly. I had to admit I looked damned good.

“Stop fidgeting,” Victor said. He tapped my chest. “The femtocell is sewn into a hidden pocket here. Keep your jacket on at all times.”

Lingyi had shown me the cell when we screen chatted; slim as a cashcard, it was able to divert all machinery online and within range through it, giving her access to everything. “The closer you are to the personal device or machine, the better,” she had said to me.

Victor straightened. “You look immaculate—almost as good as me.”

“Impossible,” I said, laughing.

He stood back, eyeing me long enough I wanted to reach for a knife to spin in my hand.

“Really. I’m quite pleased with myself.”

“I am nothing without you, Victor,” I joked.

“I know,” he replied, then turned away from me, retrieving something from a large bag. “Here.” He passed me a huge bouquet of flowers. “These are for Daiyu.”