Chapter 15 - The Global Contract
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Hélène Laurent ignored Charles Miller entirely, walking straight past him toward me with a wide, genuine smile.
“Catherine,” Hélène said, extending her hand. “That was the most exquisite, fierce, and unapologetic showcase I have seen in Los Angeles in ten years.”
I shook her hand, momentarily stunned. “Thank you, Madame Laurent. I’m honored you came.”
“I watched the first half of your live stream from my limo while leaving that dreadfully dull gala at the Wilshire,” Hélène said, casting a brief, contemptuous glance toward Vanessa. “I told my driver to pull over immediately. I had to see these midnight silk suits in person.”
She turned to her assistant, who immediately handed her a sleek leather folder.
“Luxe Global wants exclusive department store distribution rights for your spring collection in Paris, London, and New York,” Hélène announced clearly, ensuring everyone in the alleyway heard every single word. “We are prepared to place an initial order of 1.2 million dollars tonight.”
A collective gasp went up from my crew backstage.
Charles Miller stood frozen, his face pale as he stared at the woman who had just rendered his local blacklist completely meaningless.
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Vanessa looked like she had been slapped, her face contorted in disbelief. “Hélène… you can't be serious. She’s an independent designer operating out of an alley!”
Hélène turned slowly, looking at Vanessa over the top of her dark glasses. “And you, my dear, are a gallery assistant whose family bought her a title. Catherine is a real designer. Good evening.”
