One Week Later

Sophia Makes Her Move

Sophia’s dinner party was nothing like the loud, chaotic spectacle of Fashion Week.

This one was quiet. Intentional. Calculated.

A private rooftop lounge overlooking the city skyline. Warm golden lights glimmered against glass railings, soft jazz hummed in the background, and the few guests, designers, a handful of influencers, two investors, knew when to speak and, more importantly, when to remain silent. Every detail spoke of refinement, exclusivity, and control.

Aria arrived ten minutes late on purpose.

She stepped out of the elevator in a simple yet expensive red dress. Her hair was pulled back neatly, understated, elegant. There was no effort to...