Chapter 14

Charm 

Chapter 14 

Zara 

I pause outside of Knox’s lawyer’s office building. I catch my reflection briefly in the window, not out of vanity or even out of habit, but out of quiet recognition. 

There was a time when I would have thought about my appearance. I’d have agonized about what Knox might notice, what he might dismiss, what might make him look at me for even a second longer than necessary. 

Today, I didn’t bother with any of that nonsense. I’m in my favorite jeans, a loose cream sweater, a long red coat. My hair is pulled back into a careless ponytail that I didn’t try to fix when it settled unevenly. Minimal makeup, just enough to feel like myself and not someone I constructed for someone else’s approval. 

I give my reflection a little wink, then head into the building, and up to the 29th floor.