The rain poured heavily outside, casting a bleak gray shadow over the glittering storefront windows of L'Étoile Royale, the most prestigious haute couture boutique on London's Bond Street. Stepping through the heavy glass doors was Zuri Vance. She wore a faded, oversized black hoodie, frayed canvas sneakers, and a baseball cap pulled low over her face, looking entirely like a university student seeking shelter from the downpour.
In reality, Zuri was the reclusive billionaire founder and sole majority owner of Vance Global Luxury Group, the massive international conglomerate that owned L'Étoile Royale and dozens of high-end fashion houses across the globe. Tonight, she had decided to make an unannounced, anonymous visit to inspect retail operations.
Walking over to a display rack holding a breathtaking, limited-edition crimson silk evening gown, Zuri gently extended a single finger to feel the delicate texture of the fabric.