“She has longstanding relationships with the board.”
“Had,” Elena corrected gently. “The board is no longer involved in store operations.”
Daniel’s smile tightened.
“Of course.”
Vivian entered through the front doors ten minutes later.
She was exactly as Elena remembered from the customer files and earlier observations: tall, slender, blonde, impeccably dressed, and entirely confident that the world would rearrange itself to accommodate her.
She wore a cream pantsuit, a white silk camisole, and pointed heels. Her handbag was a structured designer piece in pale taupe. A diamond bracelet glittered on her wrist.
Two assistants followed her, carrying garment bags and a large shopping tote.
Vivian barely acknowledged the greeter.
“Daniel,” she called.
He moved toward her immediately.
“Good morning, Vivian. Welcome back.”
“I hope you’ve sorted out the disaster with my dress.”
“We’re ready to review it.”
“Good. I don’t have time for another discussion about fabric.”
Daniel smiled.
“Of course.”
Vivian’s gaze traveled around the store, then settled on Elena.
“Who is that?”
“Elena Marquez,” Daniel said.
Vivian looked her up and down.
“New?”
“She’s been assisting with operations.”
Elena offered a polite nod.
“Good morning, Ms. Ashford.”
Vivian’s eyes dropped to the measuring tape.
“Are you the tailor?”
“I’m assisting with the inspection.”
“Then inspect.”
She handed over the garment bag.
Elena accepted it and placed it carefully on the tailoring table.
The dress inside was ivory satin, embellished with hand-sewn beads and a delicate line of embroidery along the waist. It was part of the company’s most expensive evening collection, and it had been made in the central atelier by a team of six craftspeople.
Elena unzipped the bag.
The dress was beautiful.
It was also under strain.
The side seam showed a faint pull, and the waistline had been altered previously. The stitching around the zipper was uneven, suggesting that someone had attempted a rushed adjustment.
Elena examined the construction.
“Was this altered before it arrived?”
Vivian frowned.
“What?”
“The waistline. Has it been adjusted?”
“No.”
Elena looked at the intake form.
“It appears to have been.”
“That’s impossible. I bought it last week.”
“Then it may have been adjusted during the original fitting.”
“I know what I bought.”
“I’m not questioning that. I’m trying to understand the garment’s construction.”
Vivian folded her arms.
“Can you fix it or not?”
“I need to determine whether the seam can support the adjustment you requested.”
“What adjustment?”
Elena consulted the form.
“The waist was marked for a slight reduction, and the skirt was to be shortened by approximately two centimeters.”