Hazel's POV
Cora's words echoed in my head. Cora Cadwell was a Sinclair. Sebastian's sister. The revelation hit me like a bucket of ice water.
My mind raced back through our interactions. How Cora had appeared at my boutique that first day, claiming to have "heard about my work." The way she'd referred me to her influential friends. Her casual generosity. Her impossibly perfect timing whenever I faced professional obstacles.
It hadn't been coincidence. It had been Sebastian.
All this time, he'd been orchestrating these connections from the shadows. Pulling strings I hadn't even known existed. The realization made my head spin.
"Hazel? Are you listening?" Cora's voice snapped me back to reality.
I blinked, forcing myself to focus on the present chaos unfolding at the gala. My personal revelations would have to wait.
"I'm sorry, what were you saying?" I asked, composing myself.
