The transition from the oppressive, hostile air of Damian’s office to the silent, rarefied atmosphere of Alexander’s private suite felt like stepping onto another planet.

Alexander hadn't let go of Clara’s hand the entire walk. He had guided her out of the Croft Luxury building, past the swarm of

The glass-walled atrium of Croft Luxury’s corporate headquarters was suffocatingly quiet. Over two hundred employees—designers, marketing executives, and junior assistants—were gathered in the center of the room, their eyes darting nervously toward the podium.

Clara stood near the back, her heart

The new corner office was bathed in natural sunlight, a stark contrast to the windowless basement closet Clara had worked in for the past four years. The expansive room was lined with dress forms, drafting tables, and walls of premium fabric swatches. It was a designer's paradise.

But Clara barely