Page 8 of I See You

The sharp click of her Louboutin heels echoed through the parking garage as she approached her tinted black Maserati, the body gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Her car screamed power—luxury wrapped in a dark, untouchable aura.

And every time she pulled up somewhere, people always assumed a man would be stepping out.

But it was her.

Sevyn had been into cars since she was a little girl, going to car shows with her father, soaking in the beauty of every engine, every pristinedetail.Despitegrowingupwithagoldspoonthankstoherparents’ wealth, she had worked for every luxury she owned.

And she made damn sure people knew it.

The low rumble of the engine filled the garage as she sped off, weaving through the streets of Memphis with ease.

Minutes later, she pulled up to 901—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. It had everything—luxury, high-end clientele, an atmosphere that was always alive.

And most importantly?

The best food Memphis had to offer.

Sevynhandedherkeystothevaletwithapolitenod,adjusting herpurseonherarmbeforeascendingthesmallstepsleadingto the restaurant’s entrance. Her natural, long hair, styled in a half-up, half-down look, framed her face perfectly, accentuating her sharp yet feminine features.

The hostess greeted her with a warm smile, and Sevyn returned it before glancing around. She spotted Dorian at a table in the back, sitting across from Ariel. Both women were glued to their phones, locked in their own worlds, not acknowledging each other’s presence.

Sevyn exhaled, relieved that they weren’t at each other’s throats, but still regretting the decision to invite them both. Balancing her best friend and her cousin in the same space was always a gamble, but today was supposed to be a celebration. She had good news to share—news too big to drop over a text or phone call. A celebratory lunch was the best she could do, given how hectic all their schedules were.

She made her way to the table, and as soon as she approached, both women lifted their eyes toward her.

“Hey, beauties!” Sevyn greeted, her voice light.

Ariel grinned, lifting her margarita in a small toast. Dorian, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. But Sevyn knew her cousin—it was love underneath the attitude.

She slid into the seat beside Dorian just as the waiter approached, wasting no time taking her drink order.

“How was everyone’s day?” she asked, looking between the two. “Girl, mine’s been busy,” Ariel sighed, setting her phone down with an annoyed flick of her wrist. “I still gotta go back to the bank after this.” She took a slow sip of her strawberry margarita, letting out a small groan as the alcohol settled in.

Ariel’s father owned one of the biggest banks in the heart of Memphis, and while most people assumed she worked there by choice, the truth was far less glamorous. She didn’t want the job. Never had. But her father had made it clear—if she wanted to keep living off his money, she had to earn it.

So here she was, a bank manager by force, drowning in responsibilities she never asked for, sipping margaritas just to make itthrough the day.

Sevyn nudged Dorian. “What about you?”

“Same shit. Had clients back-to-back, so I’m heading home after this,” Dorian said, locking her phone and tucking it into her bag.

Dorian was hands-down the best nail tech in Memphis—not just according to Sevyn, but everyone. High-profile clients, socialites, even celebrities flew in just to sit in her chair. She had turned her talent into a business, opening her own nail salon after college, and it had been thriving ever since.

Sevyn tapped her nails against the glass of water in front of her, a wide smile spreading across her lips.

“Well, I won’t keep you two long,” she said, barely containing her excitement. “But I do have some big news.”

Both Dorian and Ariel perked up.

“What is it?” Ariel asked, her excitement evident.

Sevyn took a breath, letting the moment build before finally saying, “It’s not official yet, but…I’m in the process of starting my own therapy clinic.” Her smile grew. “Expanding on what I already do, but this time, owning everything. Having full control over the type of counseling I provide. No restrictions. No limits.”

Dorian’s face lit up first.

“Oh my—that’s good! I’m so happy for you, cousin!”

Sevyn laughed as Dorian pulled her into a hug, squeezing her tightly. “Thank you, cousin.”

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