Chapter 30

• I arrived early, stepping into the studio just as the morning light poured in through the tall windows. The scent of fabric, steam, and polished wood greeted me, familiar and grounding. The entire space felt suspended, holding its breath just like I was.
• Today was about more than a presentation. It was about all of us.
• The team trickled in slowly. Designers, stylists, assistants, junior production leads. Some carried coffees, others tucked tablets beneath their arms. But each one moved with a quiet awareness, like they knew this moment mattered. Julian stood to my left, Simone just behind, Marcus reviewing a printout near the supply cabinet. Our formation had become instinctive.