Around her neck was a measuring tape.
It was the same one she had worn during her first years in retail, when she still performed alterations herself. Its yellow surface had faded slightly, and one edge had a small tear.
She had considered replacing it many times.
She never had.
Daniel Harlan met her near the entrance.
“Ms. Marquez,” he said, offering a careful smile. “Welcome.”
“Good morning, Daniel.”
“Would you like to see the executive office first?”
“After the floor opens.”
He blinked.
“Certainly.”
“I’d like to spend some time with the team.”
“Of course. We’ve prepared a welcome meeting.”
“Not yet. Let’s keep the morning normal.”
Daniel nodded, although he looked uncertain.
Elena walked through the store, greeting associates as they arrived. She introduced herself to employees who had not attended the transition briefing, but she did not announce the acquisition publicly.
The official staff notice was scheduled for the afternoon.
She wanted the team to experience a normal day before the changes began.
Sophie arrived carrying a paper cup of coffee and a canvas tote.
She stopped when she saw Elena.
“Oh. Good morning.”
“Good morning, Sophie.”
Sophie looked from Elena to Daniel.
“Are we having a meeting?”
“Not yet,” Elena said. “How was your commute?”
“Fine. The train was delayed, but I left early.”
“Good.”
Sophie glanced at the measuring tape.
“Are you helping with alterations today?”
“If there’s a need.”
Sophie smiled, surprised.
“That’s good. We’re short one tailor.”
“I heard.”
Daniel cleared his throat.
“We’ve arranged additional coverage.”
Elena looked at him.
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
Throughout the morning, she observed the store with the same careful attention she had brought to her earlier visits. She helped a customer choose a jacket, answered a question about a custom order, and spent twenty minutes with Mr. Chen reviewing a complicated alteration.
The work felt familiar.
The company did not.
She noticed that associates still hesitated before disagreeing with a customer. They looked toward management when an appointment became difficult. When a customer raised her voice, the nearest employee immediately lowered hers.
The pattern was deeply ingrained.
At eleven thirty, Daniel informed Elena that Vivian Ashford had arrived for her appointment.
“She’s expected,” he said.
“I know.”
“Would you like me to greet her?”
Elena considered the question.
“Has she been told the acquisition closed?”
“Not yet. The announcement is scheduled for this afternoon.”
“Then greet her as you normally would.”
Daniel hesitated.
“Vivian can be… demanding.”
“I’m aware.”