Chapter 145. The Garment Bag

Elona's POV

The studio felt colder today, not from the air-conditioning, but from the silence that lingered between the models. I stepped inside, the hush was thick like powdery dust, and I sensed eyes on me. Curious, calculating, and definitely resentful. After the fallout with Calla, where her jealousy had exploded, nothing seemed the same. The energy was tense, like everyone was waiting for the next spark.

I caught my reflection in the mirrored wall, black leggings, cropped top, safe, professional, and just enough to blend in. But safety wasn’t what I needed. I had to prove I belonged despite the tension. Madame Delance had texted me when I was in car, before Tristan dropped me off, she wanted to see me in her office. 

A moment later, I found myself entering Madame Delance's office. She was seated behind her desk and she gestured for me t