Chapter 265

"You designed the lead gown for the Sterling Couture showcase, didn't you?" The woman's voice carried genuine admiration. "It was breathtaking. I've heard whispers about your talent across Palisia."

She extended a perfectly manicured hand. "Henrietta Fairfax. A pleasure."

Evelyn accepted the handshake with a warm smile. "The pleasure's mine, Ms. Fairfax. Thank you for your support earlier. Should you ever visit my atelier, I'll ensure you receive a twenty percent discount on all purchases."

Henrietta's laugh sparkled like champagne. "I merely spoke my truth, yet here I am gaining privileges."

"Are you looking to commission a custom evening gown?" Evelyn inquired, already reaching for her measuring tape.

A mysterious glint appeared in Henrietta's eyes. "I require a floral-inspired haute couture piece for a gala. The moment I decided, your name was the only one that came to mind."

"Consider it done." Evelyn's fingers danced with precision as she took measurements. Their conversation flowed effortlessly between fabric choices and Parisian fashion trends.

As Henrietta prepared to leave, she produced an embossed card. "Contact me when the masterpiece is ready. I'll be waiting with bated breath."

Evelyn accepted the card with both hands. "The honor is mine. Safe travels."

The moment the door closed, Olivia practically vibrated with excitement, thrusting her phone at Evelyn. "Darling, look! I knew I recognized her! She's—"

Evelyn's breath caught at the Google results. "Henrietta Fairfax... The 'Fashion Oracle' with eighteen million followers?"

"Exactly! No wonder she critiqued our collection with such surgical precision!"

Evelyn's fingers tightened around the business card. "This commission just became our top priority."

Their strategizing was interrupted when the boutique doors chimed again. Evelyn's spine straightened as she recognized the couple entering—Nathan Sterling with Isabella Delaney draped over his arm like expensive fur.

A scene she'd witnessed countless times.

Yet now, it stirred nothing but icy detachment in her veins.

Nathan's eyes locked onto Evelyn with electric intensity. He shrugged off Isabella's grip—

Only for Isabella to lunge at Henrietta's retreating figure.

Evelyn moved like lightning, intercepting the attack. "Touch my client again, Isabella, and I'll have security drag you out by your extensions." With a calculated twist, she sent the socialite stumbling into a display rack.

Olivia brandished a clothing steamer like a sword. "Trash belongs in dumpsters, not designer boutiques!"

Scarlet with humiliation, Isabella scrambled to her feet just as Olivia shoved her through the doors. A new sign appeared moments later: "No Admittance to Isabella Delaney or Unhousebroken Pets."

The satisfying thud of designer heels stomping away echoed through the boutique.

Evelyn turned back to her guest with an apologetic smile. "My deepest apologies for that unpleasantness, Ms. Fairfax."

The fashion icon studied Evelyn with newfound interest. "You're Evelyn Carter?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "I am. Have we met?"

Olivia practically bounced. "This is Henrietta Fairfax! She specifically requested you for her Met Gala gown!"

The revelation sent a thrill down Evelyn's spine. This commission could change everything.