0

Inte

-

ng the collar of the only white blouse she

et it show in her reflection. Her heart had been pounding fr

it didn't

, really. The competition was insane, and she knew

she'd assumed it was just

nowhere, a

igious fashion and design conglomerates in Europe. Getting a fo

ting them fall into place the way they always did

bed her slim folder of printed designs,

e time like it would somehow start working against her.

ed her fol

e told herself. Don

Xavier was like try

ate last night when she caved and sear

x-standing beside international CEOs and media

is. CEO of

rly dropped

ust a glance... was the very man whose com

d him. He wasn't copied. There was n

e, she had told herself

ering glass headquarters of LV Gr

-

loors of sheer luxury, guarded by suited doorm

best outfit. Polished marble floors, a waterfall wall behind reception, an

d the counter smiled politely. "Yes,Miss Bella. You're e

Her mouth was dry. The mirrored interior of the elevator gave her nowhere to hide.

pened with

ng smelled like expensive coffee and discipline. A young man greeted her at the HR

people entered: two women in smart business wear, and

a firm handshake. "I'm Clara, Head of Creative Talent.

ngs. Bella's voice di

about her inspirations, her design process, her portfolio. Bella answered each one

ork, nodding, occasionally exchang

f a dual-purpose evening dress Bella had designed, "w

Last

didn'

ully. "But I learned a

of her glasses. "Some would've ta

I don't design to win prizes. I des

silence. Then Clara gave

ell. Better th

e door

xpecting maybe

ead... i

vi

ng the room. A dark navy suit, no tie, the top butt

eart almo

the briefest second-but that second lasted t

delib

he had

ard. "I needed to speak with Clara, but I di

e he was a king. "Just finishing u

lid back to Bel

ss.

voice steadier than she

ce. "I'll wa

one. Bella, we'll be in touch ver

ay to the door. Her steps were calm, but her pulse was wild. A

low and silken. "Welcome t

head slightly.

smi

sterious.

she knew-this wasn't