Samantha Reynolds caught the name flashing across Amy Sinclair's phone screen.

"It's Dominic Whitmore. Think he's got more updates for you?"

"No clue."

Amy answered the call. "Dominic."

His voice was as smooth and refined as ever.

"Celeste, are you free anytime soon? I'd love to take you to dinner."

"You've done so much for me—I should be the one treating you." She paused, considering. "How about tonight?"

Dominic responded immediately. "Tonight works."

Realizing how eager he sounded, he cleared his throat lightly. "My schedule's cleared up recently. I'm flexible, so whatever suits you."

"Then tonight it is," Amy said. "Tomorrow evening is Arthur Pendleton's event, and the day after is still uncertain."

"Perfect," Dominic replied, warmth threading through his tone. "I'll see you then."

"See you."

As she ended the call, Samantha was making exaggerated, teasing faces at her.

Amy arched a brow. "What's with that look?"

Samantha smirked. "Celeste, have you ever stopped to wonder why Dominic's helping you?"

Amy shrugged. "He doesn’t want Alexander Blackwood and Nathan Prescott to keep repeating their mistakes."

Samantha scoffed. "That’s just an excuse. Those three have been inseparable since they were kids. Nathan’s made a mess of things countless times, and Alexander and Dominic always clean it up without hesitation."

"If Dominic really wanted to stop them, he’d just help them get rid of you. That’d be safer. Think about it—if Nathan and Alexander ever found out he warned you, their friendship would be over."

"So the only logical explanation..."

Samantha leaned in, eyes sharp. "A man will stand by his friends—until a woman comes between them. Celeste, what if Dominic has feelings for you?"

Amy immediately dismissed it. "Impossible."

"Why not?"

Frowning, Amy countered, "I’m Alexander’s ex-wife, and Dominic is his closest friend. How could he possibly be interested in me? Besides, we’ve never even met alone before. He’s always been nothing but professional—not a hint of flirtation."

Samantha rolled her eyes. "When you were married to Alexander, he had to keep his distance. But now that you’re divorced, he’s reaching out, warning you, making his move."

Amy considered it, then shook her head again. "Nathan’s always bad-mouthing me in front of Alexander and Dominic—calling me a gold-digger, an airhead with no education. A man like Dominic, raised in privilege, has met every kind of beautiful woman. Looks alone wouldn’t impress him. I’m divorced, I have a five-year-old son—why would he be interested?"

Samantha smirked. "So what if you’ve been married and have a child? If a woman is extraordinary, she could date a man ten years younger without breaking a sweat. Our Celeste deserves the absolute best."

Amy couldn’t help but smile. Only a true best friend would insist you were worthy of everything life had to offer.

That evening, Amy arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early.

To her surprise, Dominic was already there, waiting. She approached with an apologetic smile. "Sorry I’m late."