105 The Counterfeit and the Challenge
Hazel’s POV 2
Cora’s words echoed in my head. Cora Cadwell was a Sinclair: Sebastian’s sister. The revelation hit me like a bucket of ice water
My mind raced back through our interactions. How Cora had appeared at my boutique that first day claiming to have heard about my work. The way she’d referred me to her influential friends. Her casual generosity. Her impossibly perfect timing whenever I faced professional obstacles.
It hadn’t been coincidence. It had been Sebastian
All this time, he’d been orchestrating these connections from the shadows. Pulling strings I hadn’t even known existed. The realization made my head spin
“Hazel? Are you listening?” Cora’s voice snapped me back to reality.
I blinked, forcing myself to focus on the present chaos unfolding at the gala. My personal revelations would have to wait.
“I’m sorry, what were you saying?” I asked, composing myself.
Cora smiled knowingly. “I was just telling everyone how your designs are currently the most sought-after pieces in three countries. Which makes it rather interesting that
Yan Yue would wear a counterfeit to an event like this.
The crowd’s attention shifted back to Yan Yue, who stood rigid with humiliation. Her dress – the fake – suddenly looked even cheaper under the scrutiny of two dozen pairs
of eyes
“It’s not a counterfeit,” she insisted weakly. “My personal shopper assured me-
“Your personal shopper should be fired,” another woman cut in. I recognized her as the
wife of a prominent fashion magazine editor. “Anyone with eyes can see those machine
spitches. Valentina Rousseau never uses machine stitching on evening gowns,
Yan Yue’s face flushed crimson. The whispers around us grew louder more pointed. I actually felt a twinge of sympathy for her Public humiliation wasn’t something I’d wish
on anyone, even someone as rude as she had been
Look
sart, stepping for ward. “These things happen, Counterfeits are getting better vy if you’d like. I could offer you a discount on an authentic piece from my new
The moment the words left my mouth. I knew Ed made a mistake. Yan Yue’s eyes flashed with renewed anger
A discount? You think I need your charity?” she hissed. “As if I would ever wear one of your designs after this!
“That’s not what I
“Save it, she snapped. “You’ve embarrassed me enough. Just because you’ve somehow fooled Sebastian Sinclair into backing your pathetic little brand doesn’t make you
better than me
She turned to storm off, but in her haste, the hem of her dress caught on the elaborate beadwork of another guest’s gown. The sound of tearing fabric silenced the crowd
“My dress!” Yan Yue wailed, looking down at the six-inch tear running up the side of
her gown. “Look what you made me do!”
“Me?” gasped the other woman, tugging her own gown free. “You’re the one who
stormed off like a child!
“Ladies,” I intervened, stepping between them. “Let me help.”
Carefully, Luntangled the beadwork that had snagged Yan Yue’s dress. The counterfeit fabric had torn easily along the seam – another telltale sign of poor quality. The damage was substantial but manageable with the right skills
“Hold still” Linstructed, examining the tear more closely. “I can fix this temporarily
“Don’t touch L” Yan Yue snapped, jerking away. “You’ll only make it worse.
Cora’s laugh cut through the tension. “Yan Yue, do you realize who you’re talking to
Hazel cau fix that tear before you can finish your next glass of champagne
A circle had formed around us now What had been a private humiliation was quickly becoming a public spectacle Lvery eye in the east terrace was fixed on us, conversations hushed in anticipation of more drama.
In fact Cora continued her voice carrying across the terrace, T think we’d all love to
ser Hazel demonstrate her skills” She turned to the crowd. “Wouldn’t you agree? A Bitbcompromptu fashure emergency solved by the designer herself
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the audience. Several people nodded enthusiastically
I shot Cara a look. Was she seriously turning this into some sort of performance? But the gleam in her eve told me everything – this wasn’t random This was calculated This was an opportunity
“T’d need my emergency kit, I said, playing along
Already on it, Cora replied, motioning to a server who promptly disappeared inside “Sebastian misists all his properties keep fashion emergency kits on hand. One of his pecular requirements.
Another piece of the Sebastian puzzle clicked into place. Of course he would think of such details.
The server returned moments later with a sleek black case: When I opened it, I found a meticulously organized collection of threads, needles, fabric tape, and other repair tools – all of professional quality,
Yan Yue stood rigid, her face a mask of fury and embarrassment. “This is ridiculous. I’m
leaving:
“With a torn dress?” Cora challenged. “Through the main hall? Past all those
photographers?”
Yan Yue hesitated, trapped by social consequences.
I sighed holding up the needle and thread that matched her dress perfectly. “It will take five minutes. Then you can leave with your dignity intact.
“You think *you* can fix this?” Yan Yue asked with venomous skepticism, gesturing to
the tear that now exposed part of her thigh
Every eye in the crowd turned to me, waiting for my response. This wasn’t just about fixing a dress anymore. This was a direct challenge to my skills, my professionalism my worth – all in front of the very people whose opinions could make or break my
career
