Chapter 123

"You'll help me, won't you?" Evelyn's voice was barely above a whisper, fragile as glass.

Beatrice's temples pulsed as she studied her daughter. No matter what had happened, Evelyn was still her flesh and blood. A wave of protectiveness surged through her.

"Of course, I'll help you," Beatrice murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Evelyn's forehead. "Rest now. I'll deal with anyone who tries to interfere."

Evelyn exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing as her lips curved into a faint, grateful smile. Within moments, she was asleep.

Meanwhile, Olivia Sinclair stood amidst the wreckage of fabric and memories, her stomach twisting with unease. This restoration project was far more daunting than she'd anticipated.

Her phone buzzed—Victoria Ellington had sent two photos of her mother in exquisite gowns from decades past.

Though time had yellowed the edges of the photographs, the elegance of the woman in them remained untouched.

The sight only strengthened Olivia's resolve. She would bring these garments back to life.

First, she gathered every scrap of fabric she could salvage. Then, she mapped out a plan: she needed to visit vintage shops for replacement materials.

Most vintage pieces came with their own scars—frayed hems, faded colors, loose threads.

Olivia was no stranger to needlework, but this was beyond her usual skill. She needed guidance.

Reality, however, was unkind.

Shop after shop turned her away. Some dismissed her outright; others mocked her silence. Olivia clenched her jaw and moved on. Arguing with ignorance was a waste of breath she didn’t have.

Her last hope was a boutique tucked away in a quiet corner of Newport.

Genevieve Fontaine's Vintage Atelier had been a staple for years, its reputation impeccable despite its modest location.

Olivia arrived just before closing. The shop was nearly empty, save for the striking woman behind the counter.

Genevieve Fontaine was breathtaking—sharp cheekbones, piercing eyes, and an air of effortless grace.

After a quick introduction, Olivia typed out her request on her phone, adding that she was willing to pay for lessons if Genevieve didn’t have time for hands-on teaching.

Genevieve’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "I don’t want your money."

Olivia’s heart sank. Another rejection.

But then—

"I’ll teach you," Genevieve said, tilting her head. "On one condition."

Olivia tensed.

Genevieve laughed, reaching out to pinch Olivia’s cheek playfully. "Relax, darling. I’m not asking you to rob a bank." She leaned in. "You’re stunning. I’ve been searching for a model for my new collection. Would you consider it?"

Olivia blinked. A model? She pointed at herself, eyes wide with disbelief.

Genevieve nodded. "You’d be perfect."

Olivia hesitated, then typed: "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Genevieve said. "Trust me."

Olivia exhaled. If Genevieve was willing to teach her for free, the least she could do was humor her. She nodded.

Genevieve’s excitement was contagious. She immediately pulled out three outfits—each wildly different from the last.

Olivia eyed them skeptically.

"Trust the process," Genevieve assured her, already reaching for her makeup kit. "I know what I’m doing."

The next few hours were a whirlwind.

Outfit changes. Makeup. Poses.

Genevieve worked with the precision of an artist, adjusting every fold of fabric, every angle of Olivia’s posture.

By the end, Olivia had learned more about garment repair than she’d expected—and Genevieve had a camera full of breathtaking shots.

"You’re a natural," Genevieve murmured, scrolling through the images. "Ever considered modeling professionally?"

Olivia shook her head, typing: "I can’t speak."

Genevieve waved a hand. "So? Talent doesn’t need a voice."

Before Olivia left, Genevieve hesitated. "Mind if I display these in the shop window? I can blur your face if you prefer."

Olivia shook her head again. She owed Genevieve this much.

"It’s an honor," she typed.

Genevieve beamed.

As Olivia stepped out into the evening air, she didn’t notice the passerby snapping photos of the display.

Nor did she see the caption he added before posting:

"Beauty in Silence—Newport’s Hidden Gem."

By morning, the post had gone viral.