Autumn winds swept through the fallen leaves, and the plane trees lining the streets of New York had shed their foliage, blanketing the ground in a golden carpet.
After two heavy rains, the air grew noticeably crisper.
The jewelry gala was fast approaching, and Beauty had been buried in work, her delicate face visibly thinner.
As her manager put it, she now had the camera-ready slimness of a professional model.
After all, the new Corporation's supermodels were famously slender—each a natural clothes hanger, making every outfit look as though it were tailored just for them.
"Beauty, tomorrow afternoon is the jewelry gala's launch event.
You must be at your absolute best—captivate everyone at first sight.
It's not just about you, but the jewelry you'll be presenting as well."
The makeup artist was putting the final touches on Beauty when the director strode into the dressing room, dressed in sharp professional attire, and offered an encouraging smile.
