The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 106

106 The Architect of Coincidence

Hazel’s POV

“You think you can fix this?”

The skepticism in Yan Yue’s voice hung in the air like poison. Umet her gaze steadily. the needle already between my fingers

“Everyone, please give us some space.” I said calmly, not breaking eye contact with her The crowd reluctantly stepped back, forming a wider circle around us. And yes. I can fix this. I design and construct every original piece myself.”

Yan Yue scoffed but remained still as I knelt beside her. The tear ran along a side seam. exposing her thigh through the counterfeit fabric. Up close, the poor quality was even more obvious – loose threads and uneven stitching throughout.

“Hold still.” I instructed, threading the needle with practiced ease.

My fingers worked quickly, the muscle memory from thousands of hours of detailed work taking over. I’d repaired more difficult tears under more stressful circumstances This was child’s play.

The crowd watched in silent fascination as I executed a nearly invisible repair, the

needle flashing in the terrace lights.

“There” I said, standing up after just three minutes. “Good as new. Well, as good as it

was before.”

Yan Yue examined the repair, her mouth set in a tight line. The fixing was flawless even better than the original construction. She couldn’t find fault with my work.

“If you’d like, I can show you to a private lounge where you can check that the repair holds properly, I offered, extending an olive branch she didn’t deserve.

Her pride battled visibly with her need for privacy. “Fine,” she muttered finally

As we moved toward the doors Theard Cora behind me. “I’ll come too. Just to make

sure everything goes smoothly.

The three of us walked silently through the grand ballroom. Servers and guests parted for us automatically sensing the tension: When we reached a secluded sitting room

Cord closed the door firmly behind us

“Try walking” I suggested to Yan Yue Make sure it feels secure

She took a few tentative steps, then more confident ones. It’s adequate she admitted reluctantly

“It’s masterful, Cora corrected: “And you owe Hazel an apology

Yan Yue’s lace darkened. “For what? She embarrassed me in front of everyone!”

You embarrassed yourself by wearing a counterfeit and then trying to lecture the actual designer, Cora replied coldly. “Apologize, or I promise you won’t receive another invitation to any event where a Sinclair has influence

The threat landed with precision. Yan Yue paled visibly.

“I’m… sorry, she forced out between gritted teeth. “Thank you for fixing my dress.

“You’re welcome.” I replied evenly. “And for the record. Ewasn’t trying to embarrass you. Fashion forgery is a serious issue that hurts designers at every level.

“Whatever. Are we done here?” Yan Yue glanced longingly at the door.

“Yes,” Cora said dismissively. “Run along.”

The moment Yan Yue left. Cora’s posture relaxed. “That woman is insufferable. Gloria

Everett introduced her to me, which should have been my first warning:

My head snapped up at the familiar name. “Gloria Everett? Alistair’s mother?”

“The very same.” Cora confirmed. “She’s been spreading all sorts of vicious rumors

about you since Sebastian stepped in as your investor.

“What kind of rumors?” I asked, though I could easily guess.

The usual tired narrative – sleeping your way to success, using men for their

onnections” Cora rolled her eyes. “As if your talent isn’t blindingly obvious to anyone

with ball a brain

1 sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. “It never ends, does it?

“Not when you’re successful, Cora said, giving me a sympathetic smile “But you handied that beautifully Everyone out there just saw firsthand what you’re capable of

nodded absents by mind already shifting to the question that had been burung sine – rezervelation Con how did you really recognize me that first day in my boutique It was from social media, was it

Her expression flickered with something unreadable ‘You’re catching on to the

Connections,

“It’s hard not to” I replied. “The coincidences are piling up a bit too neatly

“What gave it away?” she asked, curious

“Sebastian’s emergency kit with thread that perfectly matched a counterfeit gown. The way you appeared in my shop right when needed new clients. How you knew exactly which investors to introduce ine to Emet her eyes directly. “And the fact that you’re Sebastian’s sister but introduced yourself as Cora Cadwell

Ah, yes. I use my mother’s maiden name professionally,” she explained. “It’s easier that

way

Easier for what?” I pressed.

Cora hesitated, seemingly weighing her words. “For observing without

preconceptions. The Sinclair name carries certain… expectations

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify