Chapter 81

• The envelope came in the middle of a slow afternoon, buried under courier receipts and folded sketches. Claudia had opened it first, scanning the embossed seal with practiced suspicion before setting it beside my tea without a word. I finished signing the vendor contracts before I touched it. I had learned, by now, to be careful with the things that arrived quietly.
• The invitation was printed on heavy cream stock, the kind that felt more ceremonial than warm. The words had been chosen with precision, probably by someone who had not thought twice about the weight they might carry.
• You are cordially invited to speak at the Annual Legacy in Design Forum. Honoring the work of emerging voices shaped by those who came before. Featuring remarks by industry pioneer Noelle Vale.