FIVE YEARS LATER
“And the Brand of the Year award goes to…” the announcer paused, a brief suspense stretching across the hall, “…AURELIA FASHIONS, by Aurelia Sterling.”
For a split second, everything felt quiet.
Then the room broke into applause.
The sound rose around me—loud, overwhelming, echoing through the grand hall. Lights flickered. Cameras turned. Faces shifted in my direction.
I didn’t move immediately.
Then I felt a small hand tighten around mine.
“Mummy…”
I looked down.
Leo was already looking up at me, his eyes bright, a small smile spreading across his face.
My brothers stood at the same time I did, clapping their hands.
Pierce was the first to reach me, pulling me into a quick hug. “You did it.”
Ford followed, his hand firm on my shoulder. “We knew you would.”
Ha
