Taylor's excitement didn't dim as she linked her arm through Sugar's, guiding her further into the boutique as though she owned the place. Ava followed a step behind, her unease growing with every second Sugar remained in her presence. There was something about the woman, something calm and sharp at the same time that made Ava's skin prickle.
"Where's Vance?" Taylor asked casually, her tone light, almost teasing.
Sugar lifted a brow, her lips curving into a faint smile. "He dropped me off," she said. "Said he had a few things to take care of."
Ava's attention snapped to them instantly.
Vance.
The name echoed in her mind, unfamiliar yet strangely heavy. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but curiosity stirred sharply in her chest. She had never heard Damian mention anyone by that name. And yet, the way Taylor said it so easily, so familiarly made it sound like someone important. Someone close.
"Oh," Taylor said, nodding. "So he didn't come in?"
