The situation was already messy. Getting angry wouldn’t help. They had less than two hours before the event. Every second counted.

“We’re doing this,” she said after a brief pause, turning to Tamara. “Check with the front desk and the airport. See if we can trace the suitcase.”

“Got it.” Tamara nodded and walked out the door.

Hadley faced Chelsey again. “Dry your tears. We still have a job to do. We need to leave soon—get things ready.”

“Yes!” Chelsey wiped her face and rushed off to handle the preparations.

Once both assistants were occupied, Hadley turned to Zane with a weary sigh. “That dress was from the designer’s new collection,” she said quietly. “Only two pieces are available in all of Srixby…” Chelsey had been too careless this time.

Hadley’s eyes dimmed. “Zane, things are a mess today. I need to find Mr. Webster.” She added, “He has to be informed.”

Elvin was now her agent. In moments like this, it was his job to handle the brand. She needed to brief him so he wouldn’t be caught off guard.

She gave Zane a brief nod. “I’m sorry… I’ll have to excuse myself.”

Normally, that would have been Zane’s cue to leave. But he didn’t move. Instead, he asked, “Which brand is it?”

Hadley seemed surprised by the question, but she still told him.

Zane recognized the name immediately. It was a mid-to-high-end label known for being meticulous—especially when it came to choosing an ambassador. This wasn’t something they would overlook.

“You’re handling it well,” he said, offering quiet reassurance. “Tamara might come back with good news.”

“I’m not worried.” Her smile was calm, her eyes soft.

And she meant it.

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Now that she had control over her finances and a steady career, these partnerships were a bonus—not a lifeline. Still, she looked troubled. “I just hate that Mr. Webster has to deal with this.”

Losing an endorsement during a probation window wasn’t just a setback. It reflected badly on her team—on Elvin in particular. Luxury endorsements didn’t just boost income; they carried weight in the industry.

And right now, Elvin was investing a lot in her rise—they couldn’t really afford such a misstep if she still valued her career.

“He should be up by now. I’ll go talk to him.”

“Alright.”

Zane followed her to the hallway and watched as she walked away.

He glanced at his watch. If he remembered correctly, the brand Hadley mentioned had a branch in Ciderbrook.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Morning, Uncle,” he said as he stepped into the elevator.

Meanwhile, Tamara had finished checking with the hotel and the airport. After a pause, she dialed a number. “Mr. Scott, it’s Tamara… There’s a problem with Hadley.”

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