At Nancy's Primary School…
"Tring… ring… cring… ring…"
The school bell echoed through the corridors, announcing the end of the day.
Nancy walked out of the school building with her friends, giggling and chatting, until her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure just outside the ground gate.
"Daddy!" she called, waving, and rushed toward him.
Thomas Oak stood there, scrolling through his phone, but the moment he heard her voice, he looked up.
"Hey, Nancy!"
"You really came!" she beamed, hugging his arm.
"As promised, my dear," he smiled.
"Yesss!"
Fingers laced, father and daughter walked home together, the warmth of the afternoon sun casting long shadows behind them.
Meanwhile…
Velvéra Company – Executive Meeting Room
"So, this concludes my presentation," said a designer, lowering the remote as the last slide faded from the projection screen.
I sat among the attendees, quietly scribbling down notes.
Wow, I thought. These ideas are absolutely stunning. This man—Mr. Vionnet—isn't just any designer. He's known for his revolutionary draping techniques and creating silhouettes that flow like water. The others too… such bold, odd ideas, but each one brilliant in its own way.
But before I could admire further—
"Do you call that a presentation, Mr. Vionnet?" David Charlotte's deep voice broke the silence, sharp and icy.
His piercing green eyes locked onto the designer, silencing the room.
"Unexpected… from you," he added, tone laced with disgust.
"Umm… sir, this silhouette is actually one of our top conceptual designs—" Mr. Vionnet tried to explain.
"Top?" David sneered. "What a lowly thought process. I expected better from you."
"S-sorry, sir…"
"This meeting is over. Next time, show me something that's worth our time. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
He turned to the room. "That goes for all of you."
"Yes, sir!" everyone echoed in unison and stood to leave.
I followed David as he walked out, keeping my expression neutral.
Can't figure him out, I thought. Maybe this is why this fashion house is globally known for its sharp edge and creativity. Still… after my biological father died in that car accident, why did he hand over the company to David Charlotte instead of Romeo—my sweet, gentle stepbrother?
I've heard rumours about a server hack attempt while I was still in the Black Vane organisation. That hacker… they were from our side. But somehow, the company retrieved all its data, cleanly, without a trace. The hacker never saved a thing. Impressive damage control. They even recovered from the financial blow. And all that credit went to David.
But… who knows what actually happened behind the scenes? I don't trust anyone.
Inside David's office…
"Have you confirmed the appointment I mentioned earlier, Ms. Caroline?" he asked, sitting behind his desk.
"Yes, sir," I replied promptly.
Just then, a knock.
"May I come in, sir?" came a voice from the other side.
"Enter."
A staff member stepped in. "Sir, we were thinking of hosting a welcome party for Secretary Caroline. What do you think?"
"Ask her," David said without looking up. "I don't mind."
The staff member turned to me, eyes pleading with an innocent expression that screamed: Say yes… please?
"Fine," I sighed. "But tomorrow. I'm occupied today."
He grinned with victory.
"I agree," David said, shutting it down. "Now, Mr. Jacobs, you may leave."
"Yes, sir!"
David turned to the window, watching the darkening sky.
"Ms. Garnier, it's evening. You may leave for today."
"Thank you, sir." I nodded and exited the office.
Back at Home…
When I reached the house, the first thing I noticed was the stack of huge boxes near the door—and a few workers carrying more boxes toward a truck outside.
"Hey, Ariadne. You're back," Dad called out while instructing the movers. "Quick, go change your clothes."
I nodded and made my way to my room.
But when I opened the door…
Everything was gone.
The furniture, the decor, even the closet—it was all cleared out. My entire room had been packed away.
"Where are my clothes?!" I muttered, tugging at a box nearby.
Then I remembered… maybe they're packed.
I sighed, half-undressed, standing in the middle of an empty room.
"Seriously, Dad…" I grumbled. Couldn't he wait until I got home?