The boutique was quiet in the early morning light, the mall outside still empty, and the gates half-raised. Sarah unlocked the glass doors and flipped on the soft display lights, casting a warm glow over racks of sundresses, activewear, and lingerie. She was already dressed for the day—fitted blouse, pencil skirt, her dark hair pulled into a neat ponytail—looking every bit the confident manager. Mia arrived right on time,...