CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THREE – FRENCH SEDUCTION

"You're right, I know you're right," she murmured despondently. "Sebastian has been wonderful in so many ways, believing in me when no one else would. But at the end of the day, I'm still just an accessory to make his elite world more glamorous..." Gentle fingers beneath her chin stilled her nervous fidgeting. Jean Pierre's gaze was fierce yet tender as he prompted her to meet it squarely. "Do not sell yourself so short, Madison," he chided with quiet intensity. "You are no one's decorative accompaniment, but a brilliant creative force burning within. On this most important evening, you should be the one shining like the supernova you were born to become." His impassioned words and unwavering belief in her ignited an answering spark of determination deep inside. Why shouldn't this be her moment to claim once and for all? She had sacrificed and struggled alone for too long in the hopes that others would make room for her talents to be appreciated. Perhaps it was finally time to make