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“And Victoria Vance. My goodness. Are you two back together?”

Victoria picks up her glass of water with exasperating calm, while Harper struggles to put on her best poker face.

“We’re here together for Velvet & Silk. Covering the event.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” insists the complete idiot.

“Because it’s none of your business, dear,” Harper replies sweetly.

Sebastian bursts out laughing.

“You’ve still got the same bite as always, Harper. I’m glad.”

The editor sitting across from them, Marianne Cole, joins the conversation, resting her chin in her hands.

“I’ve always thought your chemistry was off the charts. And I can tell you haven’t lost it.”

Victoria chokes on her water and starts coughing. Harper gives her a couple of pats on the back while whispering in her ear:

“Don’t you dare agree with them.”

Dinner unfolds amid laughter, toasts, and a signature menu that Harper barely tastes because she’s so focused on jotting down the various ideas running through her head. She finds herself enjoying herself in a way she hasn’t in years—without having to defend her territory, without fear of someone stepping on her toes at work.

After dessert, they head down to the beauty area and find the brand Harper wanted to see: Serein Labs. Its concept of biotechnology and recyclable packaging immediately captivates her. She swatches a burgundy lipstick on the back of her hand.

Victoria comes so close from behind that Harper feels the warmth of her body. She leans over Harper’s hand to see the shade.

“It’s gorgeous,” Victoria says, assessing the texture.

“And it feels different,” Harper remarks, trying to ignore how close the woman’s lips are to her ear. “Nothing like the commercial red we’ve been running for the past three seasons.”

They talk with the founder, pick up samples, and walk away to a quieter corner. Harper examines the brochures under the spotlights shining on a sculpture.

“This could really shake up the beauty section,” she says enthusiastically. “A new focus on innovation.”

They look at each other, and Victoria gives her a mischievous smile.

“Oh my gosh. We agree on everything.”

“It’s starting to get a little scary,” Harper admits, tucking the cards into her purse. “We look like a real team.”

“In my mind, you’re the one who translates my visual madness into words people can understand,” Victoria remarks, lowering her voice.

Harper is at a loss for words. That compliment, coming from someone as demanding as Victoria Vance, is worth more than any promotion.

On their way out, a waiter offers them two final glasses of champagne. Victoria takes both and hands one to Harper.

“Let’s toast before we head back into the jungle.”

“What are we toasting to?”

Victoria glances at the stack of business cards Harper is holding and then looks her in the eyes.

“To us. To having discovered some real talent. And to not having killed each other in the process.”

Harper clinks her glass against Victoria’s.

“I’ll drink to that. With reservations about the ‘not killing each other’ part.”