JANE’S POV
I stepped out of the black car slowly, my heels pressed into the red carpet like it was made for me. Cameras clicked, flashes exploded like fireworks. The security detail surrounded me, but I waved them off with a small gesture. Today, I didn’t need shadows or secrets. Today, I walked by myself.
Jane Grande.
The name rolled inside me like thunder.
I climbed the short steps of the glass-panel stage outside the International Women’s Empowerment Summit, my lips were painted red like war paint.
Thousands of people were gathered in the open-air auditorium, their eyes following every one of my moves. Some squinted in confusion, others whispered. The whispers grew louder as I made my way toward the podium.
My long black dress fluttered in the wind, catching the sunlight and dr
