Chapter 18: The Closed Doors
Chapter 18: The Closed Doors
Regina finally forced herself to step back into the world.
She dressed in her sharpest white suit, armored herself with a designer handbag, and scheduled a lunch meeting with Marcus Vance, the CEO of a rival luxury brand. Marcus had spent years trying to poach her from Hartwell Couture.
They met at an exclusive, dimly lit restaurant in Manhattan.
Regina sat with perfect posture, projecting absolute confidence. "Marcus, I am ready to bring my vision to your label. We can restructure your entire fall line."
Marcus didn't smile. He gently placed his espresso cup on its saucer.
"Regina," he said quietly, his voice devoid of any warmth. "I wanted the Creative Director of Hartwell Couture. I wanted the power of that chair."
Regina’s confident facade slipped for a fraction of a second. "I am still Regina Blake."
"Yes," Marcus nodded slowly. "You are. And that is exactly the problem."
He leaned forward, his eyes cold. "Five years ago, you publicly humiliated my lead designer at a gala in Paris. You destroyed her confidence for a laugh. You burned every bridge in this industry because you thought you would never have to cross them again."
Regina stared at him, the blood draining from her face.
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"We don't want your vision, Regina. And frankly, no one else does either."
Marcus stood up, left a hundred-dollar bill for the coffee, and walked away, leaving her entirely alone at the table.
