𝟸𝟽. "... 𝚃𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚝'𝚜 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍"

The car came to a slow halt and I glanced out the window to the building we stopped in front of. The bold inscription on it read 𝐇𝐁- 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞.

Okay.

I stepped out of the car and put on the sunglasses before turned back to Tobi who was still in the driver's seat. "I won't take long"

With that I headed in, I stepped into the boutique with quiet confidence, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor.

The air was laced with the subtle scent of luxury-fresh leather, delicate florals, and the faintest trace of expensive perfume.

Floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, making the space feel both intimate and expansive.

My gaze swept over the curated displays, where silk blouses draped like liquid gold and tailored coats stood with sculptural precision.

The boutique exuded exclusivity, the kind of place where every stitch told a story and every piece was meant to be worn, not just owned.

And it was my competition. I had to know what kept it ahead.

A sales associate, impeccably dressed, approached with a poised smile, her eyes flicking to my attire-a seamless blend of effortless elegance and quiet power.

My fingers brushed over a rack of dresses, my touch lingering on the finest fabrics. I wasn't just here to shop. I was here to make a statement.

"Welcome to HB. You have an exquisite presence-may I assist you in finding something special today?"

My gaze swept the boutique, unimpressed yet observant, my voice smooth and detached. "I don't have time for the usual. Show me what's worth seeing

She nodded subtly, immediately understanding my tone. "Of course. This way."

She led me past the main floor, through a discreet doorway into a more private showroom-minimalist yet opulent, where only a few pieces hang, each one an understated masterpiece.

My fingers grazed the fabric of a midnight silk gown, my expression unreadable. "Who designed this?"

Her voice lowered slightly, as if unveiling something rare. "Custom work. Only three exist. The fabric is sourced from Kyoto, the stitching done by hand in Paris. A statement of quiet power."

I paused, nodding slightly, as if conceding it is worthy of my time. "Mm. Continue."

She gestured towards another piece, a sculpted ivory suit with an effortless drape.

"This-crafted from the finest Italian wool. Designed for structure without restriction. It speaks in presence, not excess. Made by the brain herself, Mrs Hillary Easton"

I glanced at it, my expression still unreadable, but my fingers skin the skin the Lapel as if testing it's worth. "And the fit?" I asked and a giant smile appeared on her lips, sensing she has piqued my interest.

"Tailored precisely to the wearer. Every detail adjusted to perfection."

I tilted my head slightly, then stepped past the suit, my gaze shifting to a gown draped in muted gold tones. "This one."

She leaned in as if discussing something sacred. "Hand-embroidered. Only one made. The beading alone took weeks."

I exhaled slowly, expecting nothing less. "Mm." I them turned and met there Sales Associate's eyes. "Have it prepared."

Without hesitation, she offered a graceful nod. "Of course. Would you like any adjustments?"

I turned away, my tone decisive yet elegant. "Only if necessary."

"It will be available in a-"

"Is she in?" I inquired, interrupting her excitement. She then paused and turned back to me, my gaze on hers unrelenting. "Mrs Easton"

A smile slowly enveloped her lips again. "Yes"

"Send for her then"

"Of course" she answered and then she paused and turned back to me. "I'm sorry miss, I didn't get your name"

A small smile made sat to my lips before I answered, "Tell her it's an old friend'

With that she nodded and left, I took a seat on the sofa, picking up the magazine besidse. HB was now a household name, it has moved from London to LA and was now one of the biggest fashion brand.

I flipped to the next page whilst hearing a foot step approaching, I didn't look up, no not yet.

I knew what my presence could to her, this unexpected visit. The sound of heels clinking on the marble floor stopped, she was in front of me but I flipped to the next page of the magazine.

"Good afternoon, welcome to HB. I hope everything is to your liking, whatever pieces you're in search for, we could pro-"

"I'm sure you could" I interrupted as I read through the highlights on the paper. She paused, a second of silence passing. "Is there anything else I could help you with? "

I now dropped the paper and looked up at her and slowly, realization dawned on her. She slowly took a step back, opening her mouth to say something but nothing came out. I was honestly satisfied by her reaction.

"P...Pearl" my name came out of her mouth as a whispered. I sighed and got up, taking in other pieces. "You've really outdone yoursel, Hillary" I praised as I walked to the other side.

She was still speechless, standing at that same spot. I turned back to her, her eyes wide open as she still tried to make sense of my presence here.

The approaching of the sales assistance, cut into the moment. "Miss, it's ready" she handed the bag over and I glanced at it.

"Can we proceed to payment now?"

After cashing the bag at the counter, I glanced back at Hillary who still stood there, she had this look on her face, I couldn't tell what it was bit it was past shock.

"Thank you for shopping at HB" the attendant said and I pushed out a smile before heading out of the building.

Tobi was standing by the car, he took the bags from me and I opened the door, but I lingered for a moment, still staring at the building.

It was also...a lot seeing her today. I never wanted to reveal myself to them but I knew that would happen eventually.

And she was the one I'm gonna be seeing a lot, she's my competition and I don't intend on losing.

➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣

The RedCo Converge was this Saturday.

At least, that's what we are being told right now. Aziel called a meeting with all the staff, apparently this was a big event for RedCo, it was a turning point.

And also a chance to move to the next phase of my plan, it's been few weeks here, I don't intend staying any longer.

The meeting ended and we began packing up to leave, "Pearl" someone called out to me and I turned to see...some random guy but I was sure he was in my department.

"I'm Santiago" he put that out there first because he noticed I had no clue. "Yeah?"

"Oh, the rest of us were gonna have a drink at the pub, you should come. We should celebrate you" he suggested and I shot him a look. "Why?"

That question alone got him speechless but then Aarav intervened and threw his hand over his shoulder, laughing. "Miss Pearl, all he's asking for is a drink with you"

Do they all act like kids?

I turned fully to them, Santiago couldn't meet my eyes, he rubbed the back of his neck lightly. "Do you want to take me out for a drink?" I asked and be and Aarav exchanged before he looked up at me.

"I mean, if you want" he answered and Aarav grinned and rubbed his shoulders in anticipation. I slowly let out a breath, crossing my hands over my chest.

"You see that's the problem. I don't want to, that's why I asked you, that's why I gave you a chance to plead your vase and all you could do is flip the question back to me" I then took a step towards him and he straightened up, noticing the edge in my tone.

"Isn't that disappointing?" I stopped right in front of him and watched as he Tensed up, his Adam Apple bopped as he swallowed hard.

"I would have said Yes if you answered rightly" I finished and his eyes widened and with that I turned on my heels and walked out.

Moments later.

I glanced up from the magazine and looked up at the time before diverting my attention to the red head opposite me. She's been quiet all evening as we worked.

She's been real helpful if I was helpful but she could do more and it depends on her efficiency here.

I uncrossed my leg from the table and sat up straighter and that's when she leaned away, clearing the table. "It...it's getting later"

"Yeah. You should round up" I said and she nodded and went back to the work. "What's with that guy from earlier though?" I had to ask because the audacity on that guy to hit in me has been plaguing me all morning.

"You mean Santiago?"

"Yeah, whatever he's called" I waved it off and she got quiet again, this time I had to look up at her. She is usually quiet and reserved around me but today, it was...different.

"What is wrong with you?" I asked and her eyes shot to me immediately. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I do anything-"

"Do you know this guy from somewhere?" I cut her off and she immediately got speechless. "He works with us-"

"Some other place"

"He...no no, he works in this... " she stuttered, not being able to meet my eyes, her cheeks turning a bright red and I immediately knew what this was about.

Of course, that explains the stammering.

I sighed and fell back into my seat. She looked up at me, "I didn't mean to... I'm so sorry-"

"What are you apologizing for?" I cut her off once again and she paused. I then leaned on the table and took the pen and grabbed a sticky note from the side. "Call your number "

"What?"

I sucked in a breath and looked up at her and she immediately began calling it. I dropped the pen after that, picked up my bag and coat. "Be ready at 7 on Friday and round up things here in the next 19 minutes"

"Wait... Uhhh, are you... Are you leaving?"

The shutting of the door behind me, answered her question and everyone else looked up at me. My eyes landed on that asshole earlier and I marched to him, my heels clinking on the floor, alerting everyone.

I glued the paper on his desk and he glanced down at it. Anne.

"Pick her up by 7 on Friday. Don't be late" and with that I headed out. Work was finished for today.