“If we walk in together, smiling for the cameras, the rumors disappear by Monday.”

“Friday,” I said.

“Friday evening at seven,” he confirmed.

At noon on Friday, his offshore transfer would clear the last banking hurdles.

He needed me quiet and distracted for exactly forty-four more hours.

I folded my arms over my chest against the autumn chill.

“I will go to the gala with you.”

He let out a long breath and smiled.