Chapter 66

Rather than deal with parking in a busy city, we decided to take the train into Lyon. The ride was smooth, the countryside blurring past the windows as we sat close, Monique leaning against my shoulder.

“You know,” she murmured, “I don’t actually mind dressing professionally. It makes me feel like I belong in the room.”

I smiled. “You already belong. The clothes are just extra.”

She squeezed my hand. “Still, I want to look the part.”

When we arrived in Lyon, we used Uber to navigate the larger distances and walked whenever we could, stopping at various shops that carried stylish but professional clothing.

The first stop was a chic boutique known for its elegant workwear. Monique browsed the racks, pulling out a deep navy-blue pencil dress with a matching blazer.

I gave her an approving nod. “That’s perfect.”

She grinned. “I’m just getting started.”

We spent the next hour selecting several outfits—tailored trousers, silk blouses, skirts that hugged her curves just enough to be enticing but still professional. Each time she stepped out of the fitting room, I felt another wave of admiration for her.

“You’re going to steal the attention in that meeting,” I murmured as she checked herself in the mirror, adjusting the hem of a fitted grey dress.

She smirked. “Good. They should be impressed by both of us.”

By the time we were finished, we had several bags in hand. “Now, shoes,” she declared.

I chuckled. “Of course.”

She found a pair of black leather pumps and a nude-colored pair for variety, both with just enough of a heel to be elegant without being uncomfortable.

After settling the bill, Monique hugged me tightly. “Thank you, John. Really.”

I smiled. “You’re welcome. Besides, I have to make sure my assistant is the most stylish woman in Geneva.”

She laughed. “Oh, I will be.”