Chapter 63

Her phone buzzed on the desk. A text from Claire: Don't stay too late. You need to rest. Lily stared at it for a moment, her heart twisting. Claire's kindness always left her speechless. She didn't deserve Claire's trust, not when everything was falling apart like this. But she couldn't give up. Not yet. Lily sat up straighter, running her fingers through her hair. She thought of the model—the face of her jewelry. She was their key to keeping the brand visible. If they lost her, the damage would be impossible to repair. Maybe, just maybe, she could convince her to stay. Lily grabbed her phone, found the model's number, and called her. She wasn't surprised when the call went to voicemail. Lily took a deep breath and left a message. "Hi, this is Lily. I know you're busy, but I'd really appreciate it if we could meet. I'd like to talk. Please. I'll come to you whenever you're free." She hung up, feeling a knot of anxiety in her stomach. To her surprise, the model called back twenty minute