They reached the Lumière display. The partnership Vivienne had spent six weeks negotiating. Her crowning achievement as interim brand manager.
The CEO greeted them warmly. Discussion turned to launch timelines. Spring campaigns. Asian market expansion.
Isaiah stood beside her. Listening. Occasionally asking smart questions that made the CEO look at him twice.
When they finally extracted themselves twenty minutes later, Vivienne's face hurt from performing.
"You're good at this," Isaiah said.
"At what?"
"Being on." He gestured vaguely. "The whole. Business thing."
"It's my job."
"Still." He looked at her. Really looked. "Must be exhausting."
Something in her chest twisted.
"I'm used to it."
They passed a group of young heirs. Trust fund kids in designer suits playing at business.
Rebecca Harrington stood among them. Blonde hair. Perfect teeth. Her father owned half of SoHo.
She spotted Vivienne. Waved.
Vivienne couldn't avoid her without being rude.
