Chapter 14 - Surprising Favor and a Sterling Proposition
Mrs. Sterling's hands were still clasped around mine, her gaze intensely focused on my face in a way that made me feel both seen and strangely exposed. The solarium fell quiet as the other women watched our interaction with undisguised curiosity.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation on such short notice," Mrs. Sterling finally said, releasing my hands. "Your reputation precedes you, Ms. Ashworth."
I swallowed hard. "I hope in a good way."
To my surprise, she laughed—a genuine, warm sound that immediately put me at ease. "In the very best way. Your designs are exquisite. I've admired your work since your first collection."
"That's... incredibly kind of you," I managed, still thrown by her familiarity. My first collection had been small and barely noticed by anyone but the most dedicated fashion followers.
