Henry smiled at Rachel.

“And Miss Madison,” he said, “I run a design institute now. I saw your work online. If you’re open to it, I’d like to offer you a spot in our mentorship program. We support self-taught creators—and I believe you have talent worth nurturing.”

Rachel gasped. She hadn’t expected this. Her hands fluttered to her chest. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say yes,” he smiled.

Then, turning to Emma, he bowed slightly.

“Thank you for wearing that dress. It reminded me of what elegance truly means.”

As Henry returned to his car and drove away, the crowd remained still, unsure of what to do. The same children who had mocked her minutes ago now stared at Emma with awe.