im with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, were half-empty. The scent of fabric dye and desperation hung in the air. Her han

ld, edgy designs. But then there was the accusation: Celeste had allegedly ripped off a design from a rival designer, a young upcoming designer named Vanessa Cross. The evi

head reeling back to the moment sh

onroe: Fas

, but no one trusted her. Vanessa had played victim to perfection,

om her lawyer. She opened it, her heart sinking as she read the l

e was no way to stop this. Her reputation was c

Last

ound a warm cup of tea that had been sitting there for some time. Across fro

told her firmly. "You've gone

ith what, Isla? I can't even afford a lawyer. My accoun

. "There has to be something else. What about Damien Hale?

sing his money to get whatever-or whoever-he wanted. He had been pursuing her for months, hi

ness," Celeste said, her voice sh

her chair. "I get it. But y

. It was an invitation-an exclusive gala hosted by one of the city's most elite soc

la asked, notici

is is from, but it has to be a mistake. I'm not

e it's a sign. Go, Celeste. Yo

thought of her empty studio, her dwindling account balance, the

gerou

owledge her. She felt out of place in her simple black dress, a contrast to the designer garments she used to wear. She

l. Look wh

slicked back and his suit crisply pressed, giving him the look of

willingly forcing a po

his gaze sweeping over her. "I heard about your pr

grew tighter. "I'm sure yo

ffer. I'll buy your company-lock, stock, and barrel. You get paid enough to

took a step back, her tone icy.

d, calculating look. "Consider carefully,

way before she could say a word, lea

gerou

stared into the mirror, the color drained from her face, leaving it a wan and palis

up, her heart skipping a beat as she scanned the call

el

t affection filled the line. "How mu

ertain she had mis

sured and calm. "How much woul

hands gripping the phone. "

n't shake. "E

Industries. The man whose name was synonymous with power, wealth, and ruthlessness.

e said, her voice ba

explain everything in person. Tomorrow

her head spinning. This was a mistake. Or a trick. But sitting there, th

o. And she

She had no idea as yet that her life was never going to be the same anymore. And El