106 The Architect of Coincidence
Hazel’s POV
“You think you can fix this?”
The skepticism in Yan Yue’s voice hung in the air like poison. Umet her gaze steadily. the needle already between my fingers
“Everyone, please give us some space.” I said calmly, not breaking eye contact with her The crowd reluctantly stepped back, forming a wider circle around us. And yes. I can fix this. I design and construct every original piece myself.”
Yan Yue scoffed but remained still as I knelt beside her. The tear ran along a side seam. exposing her thigh through the counterfeit fabric. Up close, the poor quality was even more obvious – loose threads and uneven stitching throughout.
“Hold still.” I instructed, threading the needle with practiced ease.
My fingers worked quickly, the muscle memory from thousands of hours of detailed work taking over. I’d repaired more difficult tears under more stressful circumstances This was child’s play.
The crowd watched in silent fascination as I executed a nearly invisible repair, the
needle flashing in the terrace lights.
“There” I said, standing up after just three minutes. “Good as new. Well, as good as it
was before.”
Yan Yue examined the repair, her mouth set in a tight line. The fixing was flawless even better than the original construction. She couldn’t find fault with my work.
“If you’d like, I can show you to a private lounge where you can check that the repair holds properly, I offered, extending an olive branch she didn’t deserve.
Her pride battled visibly with her need for privacy. “Fine,” she muttered finally
As we moved toward the doors Theard Cora behind me. “I’ll come too. Just to make
sure everything goes smoothly.
The three of us walked silently through the grand ballroom. Servers and guests parted for us automatically sensing the tension: When we reached a secluded sitting room
Cord closed the door firmly behind us
“Try walking” I suggested to Yan Yue Make sure it feels secure
She took a few tentative steps, then more confident ones. It’s adequate she admitted reluctantly
“It’s masterful, Cora corrected: “And you owe Hazel an apology
Yan Yue’s lace darkened. “For what? She embarrassed me in front of everyone!”
You embarrassed yourself by wearing a counterfeit and then trying to lecture the actual designer, Cora replied coldly. “Apologize, or I promise you won’t receive another invitation to any event where a Sinclair has influence
The threat landed with precision. Yan Yue paled visibly.
“I’m… sorry, she forced out between gritted teeth. “Thank you for fixing my dress.
“You’re welcome.” I replied evenly. “And for the record. Ewasn’t trying to embarrass you. Fashion forgery is a serious issue that hurts designers at every level.
“Whatever. Are we done here?” Yan Yue glanced longingly at the door.
“Yes,” Cora said dismissively. “Run along.”
The moment Yan Yue left. Cora’s posture relaxed. “That woman is insufferable. Gloria
Everett introduced her to me, which should have been my first warning:
My head snapped up at the familiar name. “Gloria Everett? Alistair’s mother?”
“The very same.” Cora confirmed. “She’s been spreading all sorts of vicious rumors
about you since Sebastian stepped in as your investor.
“What kind of rumors?” I asked, though I could easily guess.
The usual tired narrative – sleeping your way to success, using men for their
onnections” Cora rolled her eyes. “As if your talent isn’t blindingly obvious to anyone
with ball a brain
1 sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. “It never ends, does it?
“Not when you’re successful, Cora said, giving me a sympathetic smile “But you handied that beautifully Everyone out there just saw firsthand what you’re capable of
nodded absents by mind already shifting to the question that had been burung sine – rezervelation Con how did you really recognize me that first day in my boutique It was from social media, was it
Her expression flickered with something unreadable ‘You’re catching on to the
Connections,
“It’s hard not to” I replied. “The coincidences are piling up a bit too neatly
“What gave it away?” she asked, curious
“Sebastian’s emergency kit with thread that perfectly matched a counterfeit gown. The way you appeared in my shop right when needed new clients. How you knew exactly which investors to introduce ine to Emet her eyes directly. “And the fact that you’re Sebastian’s sister but introduced yourself as Cora Cadwell
Ah, yes. I use my mother’s maiden name professionally,” she explained. “It’s easier that
way
Easier for what?” I pressed.
Cora hesitated, seemingly weighing her words. “For observing without
preconceptions. The Sinclair name carries certain… expectations
Like your brother orchestrating chance meetings?” I raised an eyebrow.
She laughed softly “You’re not wrong. Sebastian has always been. She paused. searching for the right word. “Thorough. When he takes an interest in something – or
someone.
My heart skipped “And why exactly has he taken an interest in me?”
Cora opened her mouth to answer, then froze, her eyes fixing on something over my
shoulder. Her expression shifted instantly
“Of look! There’s Sebastian now” she said, her voice suddenly louder and inore
Alibin at just remembered I promised to introduce some investors to the new gallery director. You should ask Sebastian your questions directly.
Before I could react, she was squeezing my arm and whispering. “Don’t let him charm
his way out of answering then slipping past me toward the door
“Cora!” I called, but she was already greeting her brother with a quick kiss on the
She’s all yours heard her mumar to bint as she breezed past And she’s figured
Then she was gone, leaving me alone with Sebastian, who stood franjed in the doorway like something out of a dream. His expression was unreadable as he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him with a soft chick
The au between us hummed with tension and unspoken questions. For once Sebastian Sinclair looked slightly off-balance, as if Cora had disrupted his carefully constructed plan.
I believe you have questions for me” he said quietly.
My heart pounded as the moment I’d been waiting for finally arrived. The architect of all these ‘coincidences” was standing right in front of me, and I was determined to get
answers.
