Chapter 397
After more than ten days of preparation, the fashion show finally began in earnest.
That day, I barely had a moment to sit down and catch my breath. I had several collections lined up: a distinctly Victorian and Edwardian–inspired line, a bridal collection, and a workplace–themed collection.
During a short break, while I was busy directing my models on what to do next, Cherry leaned in and whispered, Tay–Tay? A few of our coworkers said they saw Mr. Kennedy in the VIP section.”
I was smoothing out creases on a model’s dress when I turned, frowning “Which one? Edward?”
“Yeah.”
I froze for a beat. “Ignore him. He’s free to go wherever he wants anyway.”
Soren had come to support me, even with the Brigidlia Festival going on.
But Edward? Why the hell would he show up now–when his family was in the middle of a crisis and he was still dealing with this chronic illness?
Sure, he had attended some shows back when he was the CEO. However, he had no ties to the company anymore. And 1, the current CEO, wasn’t on friendly terms with him at all.
So what the hell was he doing here?
My eyes scanned the VIP seating area. There, on one end of the runway in the VIP section, sat Edward in a suit.
He looked a little thinner than before but healthier than the worst I’d ever seen him. His illness seemed under
control. No wonder he hadn’t needed a wheelchair last time.
Soren was seated in another WVIP seat on the opposite end of the runway.
They were facing each other almost directly. I was sure they’d already seen one another.
A ripple of unease passed through me.
Why was Edward here? I didn’t trust his intentions. If he came to mess with me personally, fine. I could handle that. But if he was targeting Soren or the show itself…
I stared at Edward a moment longer but couldn’t come up with a single solid guess. Eventually, I forced myself to
move on.
I had just stepped backstage when Soren called. “Hey. Edward’s here. Did you know?”
“Yeah, I saw him. Cherry told me. I didn’t even know he was in Medhelanon. He hasn’t tried to talk to me either.”
“I see.” Soren must have picked up on my unease because be added, “Don’t worry. I’m here. I’ll keep an him and make sure he doesn’t try anything. You just focus on doing your best, okay?”
“Okay,”
His words settled something in me.
eye o
on
The fashion show went remarkably well. Fashion leaders from all over the world expressed their admiration and support for our brand.
After the Victorian collection wrapped, I went up on stage to take a group photo with my models.
+25 BONUS
Chable 307
From below, Jean flashed a peace sign at me. I smiled.
It was the first show I’d taken part in since becoming CEO. That made it all the more meaningful. And what made it sweeter was having my best friend and my partner there with me.
The only blemish on the day was the presence of my ex–partner.
After the show, I thanked the host and began answering questions from the media. There was a party scheduled for tonight, and I planned to attend with Soren as my plus–one.
Just as the interviews ended and I was preparing to leave, bouquet in hand and a practiced smile on my lips, Edward finally approached.
Soren and I both stiffened.
Edward wore a calm smile and held out the flowers. “What, surprised? We created Edwardian Taylor together, remember? It was inspired by our names. No matter how our personal relationship has changed, I still want the company to succeed.
“The show was a huge success. Congratulations.”
