Riley POV
Luca called while I was on my way to dinner.
I sat in the back of the car with my handbag resting beside me and the city lights passing across the window. I had changed my shoes three times before leaving the mansion, exactly as Max had apparently reported to Luca. The first pair had looked too formal. The second had made the dress feel like I was trying too hard. The third pair was comfortable enough to help me pretend the evening did not matter.
It was only dinner.
Daniel had asked clearly.
I had accepted clearly.
There were no secret agreements, no publicists, and no actress holding his arm while cameras waited.
Still, when Luca’s name appeared on my screen, my heart reacted before my pride could stop it.
I stared at the phone through the first two rings.
On the third
