บท 197: The Threads of Deception      

At this point, Astrid Valencière's fame had skyrocketed seemingly overnight with the release of her Winter Collection.

The fashion world was ablaze with praise, hailing it as the most innovative and enchanting collection of the year. Every piece carried a whimsical charm, blending fantasy-inspired elements with modern elegance—a striking departure from Astrid's usual style.

Yet, behind the scenes, things were far from the glittering image being presented to the world.

For years, Astrid's name had been fading into obscurity. Her designs, once considered groundbreaking, had grown stale. Critics whispered that her creativity had waned, and her collections no longer sparked the excitement they once did. She had tried everything—new partnerships, bold color palettes, even risky materials—but nothing seemed to work. It was as if the industry had moved on, leaving her behind.