Forever mine

Episode Twelve – The Setup

The week moved quickly, a blur of fittings, casting calls, and long nights at the studio. But Eliana couldn’t shake Amélie’s warning. Every time Kim walked past, her smile felt sharper, her greetings more like rehearsed performances than genuine civility.

On Thursday morning, Bryan called an emergency meeting in the glass-walled boardroom. The entire design and marketing team was present, including Kim — dressed in a white fitted blazer and heels that clicked like a metronome across the polished floor.

Bryan cleared his throat. “As you all know, the Paris Fashion Gala is in three weeks. Our designs are nearly complete, but our marketing needs fresh energy. Kim has offered to present some adjustments to the final showcase lineup.”

Kim stood, tablet in hand, her eyes scanning the room like a queen surveying her court. “Thank you, Bryan. I believe our main weakness lies in the runway order. The first look should grab attention, the last should seal it. Unfortunately—” she tapped her screen and Eliana’s work appeared on the projector — “our current opening dress feels… underwhelming.”

Murmurs rippled around the table.

Eliana’s breath caught. That dress had taken her two sleepless nights and three revisions.

“I’ve spoken to a few board members,” Kim continued smoothly, “and they agree this look doesn’t represent Étoile Modélés at the level we require. In fact…” She glanced deliberately at Eliana. “There’s concern that the focus on this design is less about the brand’s vision and more about… personal agendas.”

The room went still.

Eliana’s hands curled into fists under the table. “If you’re implying—”

“I’m not implying anything,” Kim interrupted sweetly. “I’m simply stating what others have noticed.”

Bryan’s jaw tightened. “Enough, Kim. Unless you have evidence, don’t make baseless accusations.”

Kim’s smile didn’t falter. “Of course. I’m only protecting the company’s reputation.”

But Eliana could feel the shift. Some people were already exchanging skeptical glances, as if wondering whether there was truth to Kim’s insinuations.

When the meeting ended, Bryan caught up with her in the hallway. “Don’t let this get to you. I’ll handle it.”

Eliana shook her head. “No, Bryan. This is my fight too. And if she wants to play dirty… I’ll be ready.”

As she walked back to her desk, she spotted Amélie watching from across the room. The stylist gave her the faintest nod — a silent reminder that this was only the first move in Kim’s game.