“Cassandra!” Rosemary’s voice rang sharply through the lavish living room where the woman sat serenely, sipping her tea.

Cassandra turned with feigned surprise. “Rosemary? My goodness, you came without an appointment… what’s the matter?”

Rosemary strode forward, her face taut, fists clenched with restrained fury. “Don’t pretend you don’t know! One of my international collection sketches is missing! You were the only outsider in my studio yesterday. Return it—now!”

Cassandra set down her teacup calmly, then gave a soft laugh. “You’re accusing me? Yesterday I came in good faith, even planning to order a gown from you. And now you call me a thief? That’s truly disgraceful of you, Rosemary.”...