f Columbus Circle was a glittering tapestry below. Brant was in his element, holding court, desc

hmm" or "that's impressive" at the appropriate intervals. Her mind was e

It was the night Sophia had gifted her a "couture" gown, only for it to be publicly

peaking of next week, for the Reed's party, Sop

late. She looked at Brant, her expression a

get it. It's a vintage Seraphina. The 'Stardust' gown. She

t' collection was a legend, a five-year-old masterpiece that wa

lips. A "surprise" of that magni

n't know, Brant. Sophia's tas

ent way. "Vivienne, don't be ungrateful. She w

he automatic defense.

ciliatory smile. "You're right. I'm being petty.

." The rest of the dinner was a blur of empty chatter. When he dropped her off, he was in high spirits, cert

slipping out of his reach and int

old determination. She opened her laptop, a sleek, unmarked device, and navigated to a dark-themed

ername and sent a message to a

Stardust' gown. Three days. Delivered to

as almost i

's piece. You know the rules. Full pa

ne: Of

d a staggering sum of cryptocurrency. The money came from a secret trust fund her m

siness with you, little

closed th

ht. I'll let you see what a real Stardust looks like. I'll

brated. A te

, my Vivi.

screen. She didn't reply. Instead, she opened her con