The next day, Alessandra receives a call from Aiden Clarke—the man who owns the storefront for rent. They meet in the afternoon, and Aiden gives her a tour of the place. Although the initial rental rate is out of Alessandra’s budget, Aiden is willing to compromise with her. If she pays a portion of the construction costs and agrees to a longer lease period, he will give her three months’ free rent to help with initial costs while she launches her shop. Alessandra accepts the deal.

That evening, Alessandra accompanies Vivian, Isabella, Dante, and Kia to the exclusive opening of Le Boudoir restaurant. Alessandra feels confident that Dominic will not be there because, according to Dante, Dominic is traveling to London for business. However, Dominic does attend after all, although Alessandra loses sight of him when she runs into a random man at the bar—whom she does not yet know is Roman.

Once Roman leaves Alessandra’s company, Dominic confronts him. The private contractor that Dominic hired to investigate his foster brother has not yet gathered any intel on Roman, which has been a point of concern for Dominic. Roman hints that his own elite connections have secured him an invite to this highly private event.