Midtown buzzed like a hive of flashing lights and whispered anticipation.
The **Liberty Collection** was about to debut—Phoenix Couture's most personal runway show yet. The venue: a rooftop garden laced with glass walkways, live-streamed to millions across the globe.
Nathalie stood backstage, calm but alert. Dressed in a structured white pantsuit with molten gold lining, she looked every inch the woman the world had come to revere.
Her voice was steady as she instructed her team. “Look twenty-three walks at eight-fifty sharp. Camera two stays wide during the flame reveal."
An assistant ran up. “Miss Carter—press is saying Benjamin Pendleton's been spotted downstairs."
Nathalie blinked. “He's not invited."
“We know. He's requesting access to the stage. Says it's urgent."
She didn't f
