“Who is she?"
The question came from the head of the board, sharp as a scalpel.
Michael didn't flinch. “Our lead creative partner."
“She has no public history. No LinkedIn. No credentials we can verify."
“She has results," he replied calmly. “And I stand by her work."
Another executive leaned forward. “Is this a personal investment?"
Michael's voice didn't waver. “It's a professional partnership."
He didn't offer more.
He didn't need to.
They could sense there was more beneath the surface. They didn't know how much.
And that was exactly how Sylvia wanted it.
---
In the design studio, Sylvia kept her head down.
Deadlines. Swatches. Revisions.
She poured herself into the collection.
Strength in curve. Resilience in seam. Softness that refused to break.
When Michael passed by,
