Chapter 20
to Milo
mama watched the interview with complete compere Mest of it focused on Lumina Studios work with only brief mentions of her past marriage to
The segment generated buzz online, but after scrolling through some comments, lana completely lost interest. Her past felt like ancient history–irrelevant to who she f become
degant black invitation.||
ser indifference. Nathan approached with something behind his back, then dramatically revealed an elegant
As he expected, her eyes went wide with excilement
No fucking way. Is that=““|||
Nathani s grim was pure sanitation. “Just delivered this morning
L
Thana grabbed the fcitation, reading the embossed gold lettering: BeF 500 Gala – Business of Tashion. This was the fashion industry’s most exclusive annual event, ted only in the 500 most influential people in global fashion–designers, executives, investors, digital innovators who shaped the entire industry-
She actually squealed and spun around holding the levitation like it was made of guld.
“Nathan We made the Dor 500 us! Do you know what this means?” Her voice cracked with emotion. “We’re officially part of the fashion elite now.”
she’d dreamed of this since design school. The or 500 wasn’t just recognition- was validation that she belonged among the industry’s most powerful players.
richoan thinking, she threw her arms around Nathan in pure joy.
“I can’t believe this is real” she whispered against hn
this shoulder, fighting back happy tears.]
Nathan held her close, breathing in her happines. “You earned every bit of this, Eliana. Your talent got us here.“]
When the pulled back, her eyes were shining with a confidence that took his breath away. This wasn’t the broken woman who’d ded New York two years ago. Tha was Elana Hart in her full power–radiant, successful, completely herself
“We
ve need to tell everyone!” sh
She immediately FaceTimed Darcy, who screamed so loud half the studio probably heard her through the phone.
prep consuming everyone’s time, only Eliana and Nathan could attend the gala
Unfortunately, with fashion week po
The right of the event, they arrived at the Beverly His Hotel looking like they owned the place. Nathan in a custos Tom Ford tux, in a show–stopping emerald silk rown that made her look like a modern–day goddess.
After presenting their coveted invitation, they stepped to a ballroom filled with fashion royalty |
“Tisly shit.” Eliana breathed, spotting Anna Wintour across the room. “as that Virgil Abloh? And Marc Jacobs? ||
She was starstruck for abour thirty seconds before her natural confidence kicked in. These people were her peers now. She belonged here.[]
Within an hour, Eliana was holding court with some of the most influential buyers and Investors’in fashion. Her natural charisma and obvious expertise had everyone wanting to work with Lumina]]
“Ms. Hart, your sustamable luxury concept is exactly what Bergdorf’s has been looking for, gushed en depart store executive
We’d love to ducus million dollar partnership added a venture capitalist who’d been trying to get her term all evening.
Nathan watched from nearby, nursing his champagne and admiring how effortlessly she commanded the room. Every gesture radiated confidence, every laugh was genuine. She was magnetic
“Crushing as usual,” he murmured when sa dally returned to as side, practically glowing with succes
“Did you see me close that deal with Neiman Marcus? She accepted his champagne flute, their fingers brushing in the exchange. “Light figures, Nathan. Eight fucking
saw everything You’re incredible. The w
way he looked at her–like she was the most amazing thing he’d ever witweised –made heat spread through her chest They stood close together, sharing the champagne and the moment, completely absorbed in each other.||
Nether noticed the figure watching them from across the room, his face a mask of regret and desperate lunging
