Nabilla approached her and, full of sympathy, put her hand on her shoulder. He's nothing to you anymore, you told me so yourself. You can't blame him anymore, wasting your life. Dania, please stop, she cut her off. I would really prefer not to talk about it. She shook her head and, with a slightly shaking hand, caught a lock that escaped from her bun.

And if you allow, I would like to leave as soon as possible. Could you get me my jacket and my bag? They're in the bathroom, I believe. I'll slip through the service door. . .

- Go say hello, at least! Dania protested, appalled. What is going on? You are not afraid of him! Damn, it doesn't even require a very big effort from you! Nabilla's gaze blazed. - I owe nothing to Thomas, absolutely nothing! I don't know what kind of pressure he put on you to invite him here. . . - None, I can assure you! The Baldwin Designer

Associates get a lot of people. I couldn't know. - Oh, because you didn't know? Nabilla said in such a sceptical tone that Dania looked down. You're the one who takes care of sending out the invitations, no - Very well, she said.

She took a couch from one of the trays and bit into it. - Of course, when Brad gave me the guest list, I saw his name, but I couldn't have predicted that you would have a hysterical fit, all the same!

Nabilla lowered her head. - Are you going to get my things, yes or no?

- Nabilla, please. . . Dania gave her an imploring look and Nabilla heaved a heavy sigh.

- I don't want to stay here. And I'm not hysterical. »

I'm not afraid of Brad either. . . It's just that. . . I don't want to... talk to him. - The boss is going to be furious. - Him ? Nabilla said disconcerted. - Yes, said Dania shrugging embarrassedly. If you want to know everything, it was he who, on an idea from Brad, asked me to give this evening and to make sure that you would come. - You mean that. . . that he fixed everything? cried Nabilla, her heart pounding. Oh, Dania, how could you? - I'll get your stuff, cut Dania. I won't have it for long. - What if Mr. Balwin… - Oh! Don't worry about Franck, I'll take care of it, answered Dania calmly. Worried, Nabila could not hold still. On his return

Daria helped him into his jacket. - Well, you can leave. There is no elevator, but the stairs face Club Street.

Nabilla lifted the collar of her black suit jacket which enhanced the brilliance of her fairness.

- Thank you, she said. Excuse me, Sharon, but I don't feel ready to see Brad yet.

- If you say so. . .

You understand me, don't you?

- Not very well. . . She paused, but an anguished expression from Nabilla

encouraged her to continue.

- Look, I didn't want to tell you about it, but whether you like it or not, you're going to have to see Brad again very soon.

- Yes, homework. The interests of Designer Associates are at stake. .

- I admit I don't follow you very well. What are you trying to tell me

Dania let out a soul-splitting sigh.

- I'm sorry, Nabila, I couldn't do anything. Clyde promised you would go to Weathland tomorrow.

Lynn swallowed her saliva hastily. - A... Weathland Tomorrow

- At 10 o'clock exactly. Brad wants, or rather he demands, that you come and give him your opinion on “the layout of his bridal chamber. Her wedding is scheduled for next week and...

Feeling her legs abandon her, Nabilla collapsed on the stool and buried her face in her hands.

- If it's a joke, I find it in bad taste, she sighed, trying to silence the frantic beating of her heart.

- I'm afraid it's not, honey. I know it must be very difficult for you, but really I couldn't do anything. How are you going to go about it? Do you want me to accompany you there? For answer, Nabilla got up and, her face closed, went to the service door.

- Are you sure you're fine, asked Dania. You don't want me to get you something to drink?

- No no. It's okay, I assure you. I have never felt so calm.

Dania eyed her with skepticism.

- You're not going to do anything stupid?

- Dania, stop playing big sisters, I'm a responsible escort girl ! Mr. and Mrs. Lemag could even invite me to cut out their wedding cake, that would leave me cold.

Brad is a man I despise the most in the world and nothing he could put me through would get to me. Good night. .. and thank you.

- Will you call me tomorrow before you go? Dania asked, following her out the door.

- Yes, that's it, said Lynn leaving. I'll call you, I promise.

Dania's apartment was on the seventh floor of a luxury building and Nabilla was relieved to arrive in the open air after an endless descent. Relieved, too, to be able to let the tears run down her cheeks. Returning to Weathland and having to go to the most private room of the mansion was like a stab in the heart. A murderous blow. A monstrous insult. By doing so, did Brad want to give him the deathblow? Humiliate him. Get revenge again and again? Nabilla could not tell.

For now, she had to calm down, think things over. Fighting back her tears, she quickened her pace towards the Champs Elysées. She wanted to find a taxi without wasting a minute and put as much distance as possible between Brad and her. A tall figure stepped out of the shadows and she took a step back from the dark gaze. Brad's gaze.