Cruel Legacy (Cruel 3)

“Yes. But I’ve seen a lot of people fold to her demands. And you actually turned your back on her. Genius,” Harmony said. She grasped my hand and squeezed. “Katherine and I have a fraught history. She’s a horrible person, and she did everything she could to make my life miserable for so many years. Anyone who can stand up to her like that is a friend of mine.”

“I’m so sorry that she made you feel like less than you are. I’ve had that same experience with Katherine. And I decided I wouldn’t take it any longer. Maybe you should do the same.”

“You’re so right. She’s just so intimidating. I usually try to avoid her.”

“Well, no more avoiding. If you avoid, she wins. We should stick together. And then maybe she can stop intimidating every person she thinks is in her way.”

Harmony smiled broadly as the lights flickered overhead, announcing the start of the show. “I like the way you think. What are you doing after this? I have a few boutique pop-ups that I have scheduled. You should come with me. I can tell you some crazy things about Katherine Van Pelt.”

“That sounds like a plan,” I agreed.

And like my plan was finally beginning.

Chapter 16

Natalie

The applause was deafening. Everyone in the entire room was on their feet, applauding Elizabeth’s latest collection of fall and winter apparel. The line of waifish models stood onstage, looking like a row of dolls on display. Elizabeth was stunning in her own right as she bowed for the crowd and took credit for the works of art before us.

Cheers died down, the models returned backstage, and soon, everyone was milling around or rushing off to their next show or meeting or boutique event. I’d learned before showing up that Fashion Week was essentially a mayhem for anyone in the industry. It was a make-it-or-break-it experience for careers.

“Come on,” Harmony said, latching on to my arm. “Let’s go see my mom.”

I reached out for Jane. “Are you coming with?”

She shook her head. “Go ahead. I have a meeting next with Christopher Michelangelo-Cortez, who is so up-and-coming. The MCZ line is out of this world. Text me later, and if I’m free, I’ll meet you at a pop-up!”

I laughed because it was just so Jane. “All right. If you’re busy, then I’ll see you at the gala tomorrow night!”

“Of course,” Jane said as if there were no other option. Then she strolled out of the room, already on her phone, probably making some other business connection.

Harmony grinned and pulled me along after her. “Okay, it’s going to take a minute to get through to my mom. As you can imagine, this is, like, her time. And it’s going to be nuts.”

Harmony guided me through the crowd and to the side of the stage nearest her mother. She was speaking to a group of industry people, and Harmony just pulled out her phone to pass the time.

“Um…where’s your Crew Influencer page?”

“My what?” I asked, glancing over her shoulder.

Crew was the hottest social media app around. Rowe had created it when he and the crew were in high school for a way for them to connect, and it had blown up. Facebook had tried to buy him out, but he’d declined, claiming he didn’t need the money.

“Your Influencer page,” Harmony gushed. She flipped her phone around, so I could see her page, which was displayed with dozens of glossy pictures of her all over the world and a running tally of comments from admirers. She currently had five-point-five million connections.

“Holy shit! Five-point-five million people follow you?” I gasped, completely losing my cool in that moment. “That’s incredible.”

Harmony shrugged one shoulder, but the smirk on her face said everything. “Thanks! It’s basically my life. And I have no idea why you don’t have one. How do you expect people to know who you are if you’re not giving them access to your life? Page Six is great and all, but this, you can curate yourself.”

“I mean, I have Crew. I just don’t have an Influencer page.”

“Well, we will fix that. Hand me your phone.”

I reluctantly passed it to her, and she went to work, setting up a page for me. She asked if she could go through my pictures and actually seemed surprised when I said yes. Perhaps she was used to people having nudes. Or being afraid to show the ugly selfies that you didn’t post online. Photography wasn’t my art form, but I usually erased anything I didn’t love.

About ten minutes later, she handed the phone back to me. “Okay. Here’s your Influencer page. I only posted three pictures, but you’ll want to update it regularly to keep your connections interested.” She showed me a few features. “I’m going to follow you now. Eep! I’m so excited for you.”