Chapter 3 — The Truth Behind the Uniform
Reporters rushed toward Maya.
"Who are you?"
"Who taught you?"
"Who designed this?"
Before Maya could answer—
An older man walked through the ballroom doors.
Silver hair.
Navy suit.
Walking cane.
The room immediately recognized him.
Edward Sinclair.
Founder of Sinclair Fashion Group.
One of the most respected names in luxury fashion.
His eyes landed on Maya.
Then on the torn sketches scattered across the floor.
He slowly bent down.
Picked one up.
Studied it.
Then another.
His hands began to shake.
He looked at Maya.
"Did you draw these?"
"Yes."
"Every one."
Edward closed his eyes for a long moment.
Then smiled.
"I've been looking for you."
The room froze.
Regina frowned.
"What?"
Edward held up one of the sketches.
"Three years ago..."
"My scholarship committee selected a student whose portfolio disappeared before the final interview."
He looked directly at Maya.
"I never forgot those designs."
Maya stared at him.
"My acceptance letter..."
Edward nodded.
"It was returned unopened."
Tears filled Maya's eyes.
"My mother hid it."
"She was already sick."
"We needed money."
"So I started cleaning hotels."
Edward reached into his jacket.
Pulled out a business card.
"I still have one scholarship left."
"It belongs to you."
The ballroom exploded into applause.
Vivian smiled.
"I'd like to make that even better."
She turned toward the cameras.
"Starting tonight..."
"Maya will design every gown I wear this awards season."
The reporters went wild.
Regina staggered backward.
She had just fired the woman everyone suddenly wanted.
Then security approached her.
"Ms. Regina."
May you like
"The board would like to speak with you."
Her confidence disappeared instantly.
