The atmosphere inside Valentino Fashion House was busy that morning.
Designers moved quickly between studios, assistants carried fabrics and sketches, and the sound of conversation filled the halls.
Hazel stood near her workstation reviewing a set of designs for the upcoming collection.
Across the room, Luca watched her for a moment before walking over.
"You're early again," he said.
Hazel smiled.
"I like having time to think before everyone arrives."
Luca nodded slightly.
"There's a fashion gala this weekend. Investors, designers, media… the usual crowd."
Hazel looked up.
"And?"
"I'd like you to come with me."
Hazel hesitated.
"A public event?"
"Yes."
Hazel looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
Luca smiled faintly.
But neither of them noticed the woman standing near the glass entrance of the building.
A woman who had just walked in after years away.
Camilla Moretti removed her sunglasses slowly as she looked around the lobby.
Everything looked the same.
Except one thing.
Her eyes landed on Luca across the room.
And the woman standing beside him.
Hazel.
Camilla's lips curved into a small, controlled smile.
So the rumors were true.
Luca had moved on.
Interesting.
She turned slightly and walked toward the reception desk as if she belonged there.
Across the room, Valeria had just arrived for a meeting with one of the company's creative directors.
As she stepped into the lobby, her eyes scanned the room out of habit.
And then she saw her.
Camilla.
Valeria stopped walking.
For a brief moment, the two women locked eyes.
Camilla gave a polite smile.
Valeria didn't return it.
Instead, she crossed her arms slowly.
"So the past has decided to come back," she muttered quietly.
---
Later that afternoon, Hazel and Abi met for coffee.
Abi listened as Hazel excitedly described the upcoming gala.
"It's a huge event," Hazel said. "Designers from everywhere will be there."
Abi leaned forward slightly.
"And Luca invited you?"
Hazel nodded.
Abi smiled.
"That's amazing."
But inside, her thoughts were already moving.
A fashion gala filled with powerful people.
Including Luca Valentino.
Abi stirred her drink slowly.
"Can I come too?" she asked casually.
Hazel blinked.
"Of course. Why wouldn't you?"
Abi smiled brightly.
Perfect.
---
That evening, inside the Valentino estate, Luca sat in his office reviewing documents.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
Valeria walked in calmly.
"You had an unexpected visitor today," she said.
Luca looked up.
"Who?"
Valeria watched his reaction carefully before answering.
"Camilla."
Luca's expression hardened instantly.
"She came here?"
"Yes."
Luca leaned back in his chair, clearly irritated.
"What does she want?"
Valeria shrugged slightly.
"Probably the same thing people like her always want."
"And what's that?"
Valeria's eyes moved toward the window.
"Control."
There was a moment of silence.
Then Valeria added quietly,
"You should be careful."
"With Camilla?"
"With everyone."
Luca frowned slightly.
But before he could ask what she meant, Valeria had already turned and walked toward the door.
She stopped for a moment before leaving.
Something about the situation didn't sit right with her.
Camilla returning.
Abi suddenly appearing.
Hazel caught in the middle.
Valeria sighed softly.
"This is going to get complicated," she murmured.
And she had a feeling the real storm hadn't even begun yet.