Chapter 22: Dress Fitting

The boutique occupied a narrow corner of Virex City where discretion masqueraded as elegance.

There was no signage beyond a small brass plaque set flush with the stone wall. Inside, the air smelled faintly of steamed fabric and citrus polish. The space was quiet in a way that discouraged browsing. Appointments only. Decisions expected.

Catherine arrived five minutes early.

Lillian walked beside her, aware of the subtle shift in attention as soon as they crossed the threshold. The attendant looked past Catherine first, eyes flicking toward Lillian, then corrected herself with practiced neutrality.

“Mrs. Hawthorne,” she said. “Your fitting room is prepared.”

Prepared meant evaluated.

Henry was handed a small packet of biscuits and guided toward a low table in the corner with a book he had clearly not chosen. Catherine watched him settle with the careful stillness of someone who had learned not to draw attention.

The fitting room was pale and softly lit. A mirror stretched from floor to