Maya's POV
"They're still out there." I stare at the threatening letter. "Whoever poisoned Chen. They're still planning. Still watching."
Ethan takes the letter and burns it in the fireplace. "Let them watch. We have security. We have each other. We're not living in fear."
"Easy to say. Harder to do."
"Then we fake it. We pretend we're not afraid until we actually aren't."
"How long will that take?"
"However long it takes."
The next morning brings unexpected news. The Fashion Council issues a press release despite our agreement for privacy.
"Maya Black, Designer of the Decade. Her revolutionary designs and inspiring survival story make her the industry's most influential figure."
My phone explodes. Texts. Calls. Emails. Everyone congratulating me. Everyone wanting interviews. Everyone making me visible.
Exactly what the anonymous letter warned against.
"This is bad," I tell Sophie. "We agreed no publicity. Now it's everywhere."
