Chapter 0066
Serena’s POV
Los Angeles doesn’t let you outrun a scandal. Someone always reminds you even when you think you’ve moved past it.
I sit across from Marjorie Munger, one of the industry’s most respected designers. We’ve worked together before, and she’s always been kind to me, but this feels bigger.
Stevie places three coffees on the table before sitting beside me. She knows Marjorie isn’t the kind of woman you rush.
Marjorie takes a sip of her drink, then looks at me with that sharp, assessing gaze of hers. “I have a fashion show coming up. A major one. I need jewelry, and I want yours.”
I pause, fingers tightening around my cup. “You want my designs for your show?”
She nods. “Your work has always had an edge. A signature. It stands out. I want that in my collection.”
A month ago, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity. But now, my name isn’t just attached to jewelry
attached to a scandal.
Marjorie seems to read my mind. “I know you’ve had… setbacks.”
I exhale through my nose. We both know what she means.
That video.
it’s
The one where Doris humiliated herself while being escorted by the police, screaming that I was a gold digger. The one that turned me into the internet’s favorite conversation piece. The one that made people suddenly care about my past marriage to Bill, like it was some juicy piece of gossip.
Marjorie gets her cup down with a soft clink. “I won’t lie, Serena. When that scandal broke, I had concerns. But then I paid attention to how you handled it. You didn’t milk it. You didn’t play the victim like Doris. That’s why I’m here.”
Before I can respond, a voice cuts through the café.
“I knew I recognized her.”
A cold weight settles in my stomach.
A woman a few tables away, mid–thirties, impeccably dressed in a designer blazer, stares at me with thinly veiled amusement. Next to her, her friend leans in, whispering something before they both laugh softly.
I already know what’s coming
“God, she really was married to Bill Richardson, huh?” the first woman muses, loud enough for half the café to hear. “I swear, some women marry rich men and then act like they built their own success once they cash out.”
Her friend smirks. “Some women build their careers. Others marry into them.”
What a load of bullshit.
—
I never asked for a settlement when I left Bill. Not a dime. I built everything I have my shop, designs, business
from the ground up. Late nights, long hours, every deal I fought for, every piece of jewelry crafted by my own hands.
Stevie’s nails dig into the table. I can practically feel her restraining herself.
Chapter DE
#25 BONUS
Marjorie doesn’t react, but I can tell she’s waiting to see how I handle it.
slowly setting my coffee down before turning toward them. “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”
I inhale slowly, setting my
The first woman blinks, clearly not expecting me to address her directly. “Oh, I didn’t mean-”
“No, please,” I say smoothly. “You were speaking so loudly I’d hate to miss out on your wisdom.”
Stevie presses her lips together, probably to keep from grinning
The woman straightens slightly, trying to recover. “I just think it’s interesting how some women find themselves in such… privileged positions.”
Ttilt my head. “Right. And by ‘privileged,‘ you mean running my own business, designing every piece myself, and working hard to build something meaningful?”
Her lips press into a thin line.
I smile, saccharine sweet. “If you’re so interested in my life, feel free to stop by my shop. Maybe you’ll learn something about how real work is done.”
She doesn’t respond.
Her friend clears her throat, looking suddenly fascinated by the foam in her latte.
I turn back around like nothing happened, but I feel the weight of Marjorie’s gaze on me.
After a moment, she nods. “That’s exactly why I want your work in my show.”
I let out a slow breath, my grip on my cup loosening
Marjorie clasps her hands together. “Now, the event is in a month. I understand if it’s too much to take on, given…. everything.”
She’s ging me an out. A chance to walk away.
Stevie leans in slightly, measured but firm. “Serena is more than capable of taking this on.‘
I hesitate as I glance back at the women behind me. They’re whispering again, but this time, they look less amused.
Good.
I meet Marjorie’s gaze, steady and sure.
“We’re in.”
A slow smile spreads across her face. “Good. We meet in three days to finalize everything.”
She stands, smoothing out her coat, then reaches for her bag. “I have no doubt you’ll deliver, Serena.”
As she leaves, Stevie exhales and then elbows me lightly. “No take–backs.”
Texhale, letting it all sink in.
Doris is in jail. The worst of it is over.
This is my chance to move forward. I have to prove that my success isn’t tied to anyone but me.
And what better way to start than by having my work on Marjorie Munger’s runway?
Chapter 006/
