Chapter 13

The flash of paparazzi cameras outside the Grand Palais was blinding, a strobe-light welcome to the most coveted real estate of Paris Fashion Week: the Friday night prime slot.

Sienna Vance stepped out of the matte-black Maybach, her heels clicking sharply against the damp Parisian pav

Chapter 14

Sunday morning. 7:45 AM.

The backstage area of the secondary syndicate hall was a symphony of controlled chaos. The air smelled of strong espresso, aerosol hairspray, and the sharp, clean scent of freshly pressed textiles.

Sienna Vance stood in the center of the madness, a measuring

Chapter 15

"Turn the volume up," Sienna Vance commanded, leaning against the edge of the massive marble cutting table.

In the center of the sprawling, sunlit atelier of Vance Couture, the steady hum of sewing machines ground to a halt. All twelve master tailors abandoned their stations, gathering