Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 89

“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” Blair said, stepping out of the car in front of Bella’s Bridal Boutique. “The wedding is this weekend. Shouldn’t we have done this months ago?”

“Most people, yes,” Sutton agreed, carefully maneuvering her very pregnant form out of the car. “But most people don’t get engaged, catch an embezzler, confront a jealous ex–wife, expose a murderous uncle, and take over a family business all within the span of a few weeks.”

Keira jumped out from the back seat, grinning. “Yeah, Blair. Stop being such an overachiever. Some of us can barely manage to show up to work on time.”

“Speaking of which,” Blair said, eyeing her younger sister, “how did you get time off from His Royal Highness?”

Keira’s smile turned smug. “I may have implied there was a family emergency. Technically, not having a wedding dress a few days before your wedding qualifies.” She had arrived home this morning and Blair could see she was jetlagged.

“You’re terrible,” Blair laughed.

“I’m pragmatic,” Keira corrected. “Also, turns out the prince isn’t completely heartless. He actually told me to ‘take as much time as you need.‘ I almost fainted from shock.”

“Maybe he’s finally recognizing your value,” Sutton suggested as they approached the boutique’s elegant glass doors.

“Or maybe he’s realized I’m the only person who knows how to work the fancy coffee machine,” Keira replied. “Either way, I’m free for as long as he can put up with someone else making it.”

Blair felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. With everything happening so quickly, there had been precious little time for just the three of them together. This dress shopping expedition, however last–minute, was exactly what she needed.

The boutique’s interior was all soft cream and blush tones, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the intimate space. A slender woman in her fifties approached them, her smile practiced but genuine.

“Welcome to Bella’s. I’m Sophia. You must be Blair.” She extended her hand. “Roman called ahead. He said something special on short notice.”

you

needed

Blair shook her hand. “That’s right. Our wedding is Saturday.”

Sophia didn’t bat an eye at the tight timeline. “We specialize in miracles. Now, tell me what you’re envisioning.”

Keira snorted, saying under her breath… “Miracles my ass more like a big cheque from Roman.”

Before Blair could answer, the boutique’s door chimed. All four women turned to see who had entered.

Luca.

He stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking as surprised to see them as they were to see him.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t realize… I was just dropping something off.” He held up a small package.

Blair glanced at Sutton, whose face had gone slightly pink. The tension between them was almost touchable, though Blair knew they’d been cautiously building some kind of relationship. For the baby’s sake, if nothing else.

“It’s fine,” Sutton said, her voice carefully neutral. “We’re just helping Blair find a wedding dress.”

Luca’s expression softened. “Of course. I’ll be quick.” He approached Sutton. “I wanted to see if you were ok?” His eyes dropped briefly to her stomach.

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told them that no one at Cyber10 knew yet that Sutton was pregnant with Luca’s baby. She wasn’t ready

“Just

Keira broke by clearing her throat loudly. “So! Wedding

nodded, smoothly guiding them deeper into the boutique while Luca lingered

he said, though he made

on Sutton’s face. Despite everything, it was clear her sister

“why don’t you stay, Luca? Give

her a wide–eyed look that clearly said, “What are you doing?” but

you sure? This seems

which was true. Not that

but had an unavoidable meeting, so she hadn’t had to tell him he wasn’t allowed. “And since

glanced at Sutton,

Sutton nodded. “It’s fine. Stay if

face was evident. “Thank

simply adjusted her plans. “Wonderful. Now, Blair, let’s talk

of fabric, pins, and measurements. Blair tried on dress after dress, each beautiful but not quite right. Sophia was

Luca sat quietly beside Sutton, offering polite comments when asked, but mostly watching her with an intensity that was impossible to miss. Sutton, for her part, seemed both uncomfortable. Blair

Sutton during a

“I’m… actually enjoying the new programming role. Thank

department at Cyber10. Blair knew her sister had been hesitant to accept, wary of looking like she was receiving special treatment, but the opportunity was

it,” Luca said simply. “The team says you’re

blushed. “They’re

have a real talent, Sutton. I’m glad

was interrupted when Blair emerged in what felt like the hundredth dress of the day. Blair was

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Chapter 89

over it by now.

was different, though–a sleek, elegant design with delicate lace overlay and a

breathed.

suddenly

breath catch. The dress was perfect… sophisticated without being ostentacions. romantic without being overly fussy.

you think?” Sophia

swallowed the sudden lump in

going to lose his mind,” Keira declared. “In the best

throat. “It’s perfect,

him

of you,” Blair said, smoothing the fabric. “I can’t believe we

with a wink.

for you on Friday

change back into her regular clothes, Blair could hear Keira chatting animatedly with Luca about

joined the conversation too, her initial

but there was progress a willingness to try that hadn’t been there before. Luca must feel a little apprehensive

should get back to work,” Luca said as they exited