Alex stood still for a moment, taking in the room. Warm lighting bathed the space in a golden hue, casting soft glows over the pristine table arranged with elegant precision—meats, vegetarian dishes, desserts, and sparkling drinks lined the surface like jewels. The citrusy scent in the air added a clean edge, calming and sharp at once.
She smiled faintly. Tired but satisfied.
The long dining table stretched across the room, flanked by ten chairs dressed in deep navy and white, perfectly aligned. Every detail was exactly how she'd envisioned it.
"Alex, go home. I've got this from here," Willa said, coming up beside her, worry etched on her face.
Alex didn't even look at her. "I'm fine. Just checking a few things."
Her voice was clipped and focused.
