“The samples were fine—actually, there were extras. You always tell me to bring more, right?” the staffer said, looking both confused and startled. It was the first time he’d ever seen Ashley this furious since The Empress Line had started.

Ashley’s brows furrowed, her instincts screaming that something wasn’t right. “You sure? Who exactly did you give those samples to?”

The staffer nodded with conviction. “I’m sure. I handed them off to one of the TV staff or whoever ...