The morning sun streamed through the glass walls of the boutique, scattering gold across polished marble floors. The air carried the mingled scent of fresh peonies, varnished wood, and the faint sweetness of luxury perfume.
Emma stepped inside quietly, her heels clicking against the marble. A leather folder of sketches was clutched tight against her chest, her fingers trembling just enough to betray her nerves.
Last night’s horror still shadowed her thoughts, but she forced it down. No tears. Not today. Today was about survival.
“Emma, right?”
The voice snapped her from her reverie. She turned to find a woman approaching—tall, elegant, mid-forties. Renne Laurent wore a cream satin blouse tucked into wide-leg trousers, diamond studs glinting at her ears. Her rose lipstick softened the s
