#Chapter 199: Let’s Do This

Iris “You’re fidgeting again,” Alice says from the doorway of her office, which she’s graciously loaned me as a dressing room for the night. I catch my own reflection in the full-length mirror, and realize that yes, I am indeed fidgeting—smoothing down my dress for the thousandth time, running my fingers through my carefully styled hair, adjusting the thin gold necklace at my throat like it’s choking me. “Sorry,” I murmur. “Nerves.” “You have nothing to be nervous about,” Alice assures me, stepping into the room. She’s already dressed for the gala in a black pantsuit with her hair styled into an elegant twist. “Everything is going according to plan. The gallery is filling up, the champagne is flowing, and Ezra has confirmed that Arthur and Veronica are on their way.” My stomach flips at the mention of their names. Arthur and Veronica. Like they’re a unit now, a matched set. The thought makes my chest fill with pain. “I know,” I mutter. “I’m just…”