The sales associate immediately crouched down to pick up the fallen coat, hoping to check for any damage or stains. But as she tugged on it, Elowen's stiletto heel caught on the collar. With a sickening rip, the delicate lace tore in two. The associate froze, stunned.Before she could react, Elowen smoothly shifted her foot away. Evelyn, feigning concern, exclaimed, "Oh no, what happened?"Then, as if by accident, she let her cup of coffee slip from her hand. It splashed across the coat, instantly staining the fabric. The sales associate nearly burst into tears – the garment was ruined beyond repair!Carefully gathering up the coat, she stammered, "Miss, you've damaged the item. You'll need to pay for it...""Pay?" Evelyn scoffed. "For what? This cheap thing? Honestly, I think it looks better this way!"Elowen chimed in with a smirk, "Come on, you tore it yourself. And that coffee? That's on you guys. Why should we pay for anything?"Evelyn puffed up with pride. "Do you know who this
Vespera glanced at Alaric, who smiled and asked before she could speak, "What were they saying? That your design isn't good? The fabric's uncomfortable?"Vespera nodded. "Yeah."Alaric turned to Evelyn. "I heard from my assistant that you auditioned for next year's commercial?""Oh, um, yes..." Evelyn stammered.Alaric smirked. "Well, you don't need to come anymore.""What? Why?" Evelyn's eyes widened. She had fought hard for this audition opportunity. It was supposed to be her stepping stone to the next level in her career. How could it be canceled just like that?Alaric gave her a cold look. "Because you won't pass. You won't even make it through Skyline's front door."Evelyn's face flushed red. She had never been humiliated like this before. All her life, she had been the apple of her family's eye. The entire Pendleton clan took pride in her. After entering the entertainment industry, she had quickly risen to become an A-list star. No one had ever dared to disrespect her. But now,
Alaric nodded. "Pay up. Ten grand."Evelyn fumbled for her credit card, swiping it on the machine the sales assistant brought over. The assistant politely handed her the receipt to sign, finally wrapping up this mess.Red-faced, Evelyn rushed through the whole process, desperate to get out of there. She turned to Elowen, muttering, "I'll wait outside," before bolting out the door.Elowen couldn't tear her eyes away from Alaric. He had been hers since childhood! How could this Vespera girl sweep in and steal his heart in just a few months? Alaric was even willing to humiliate Elowen without a second thought!Even if she couldn't have Heath, she shouldn't lose Alaric too! She never imagined Alaric would one day treat her like a stranger.Vespera, sensing the situation was resolved but noticing Elowen's reluctance to leave, felt out of place. Elowen's hurt and resentful stare at Alaric spoke volumes. After all, Elowen and Alaric had known each other for over two decades – their history w
Finally, they reached the parking lot. Alaric opened the car door, waiting for Vespera to get in before driving towards the apartment. The whole way, Alaric chattered non-stop while Vespera mostly replied in monosyllables.Alaric: "Ves, are you hungry?"Vespera: "No."Alaric: "Want me to grab you something to eat?"Vespera: "No."Alaric: "Are you going to work on your sketches when you get home?"Vespera: "Mm."Alaric: "Can I keep you company while you work?"Vespera: "No."Alaric: "..."'Well, that backfired,' Alaric thought. 'I'm in the doghouse now.'He missed the early days when they first met. Vespera was a bit shy then, but adorably so. Now she was like an ice queen – even colder than Zane's girlfriend Cheryl!Alaric drove painfully slow, barely above the speed limit. Cars behind him were practically honking. When they finally reached Vespera's apartment building, he parked the car. Before he could even turn off the engine, Vespera was out the door.Alaric quickly locked up and
Vespera didn't know what others thought, but she was incredibly envious. Who wouldn't be jealous of a love like that?Later, during dinner, Vespera sincerely congratulated Aurora. Aurora teased her, "I heard Alaric's been completely ignoring Elowen because of you?"Vespera fell silent, unsure of what to say. It seemed everyone had noticed that Alaric liked her, even more than he had ever liked Elowen.Deep down, Vespera knew her own feelings. She knew she liked Alaric, maybe even loved him to the point of no return. She just wasn't sure if this guy could spend the rest of his life with her.Alaric and Elowen's history was so well-known that everyone, including Vespera, assumed they'd end up together. So Vespera lacked confidence. She couldn't imagine what Alaric would be like with her instead of Elowen.Alaric probably sensed Vespera's hesitation. From his perspective, he had put in so much effort, yet Vespera still avoided him.The dinner was filled with unspoken thoughts. Alaric dra
Vespera waited all day at home, but Alaric didn't call, text, or come to see her. In reality, Alaric had just gotten up to eat, waited for the housekeeper to clean his room, and then went back to sleep for the rest of the day.While changing the sheets, the housekeeper noticed small bloodstains. These sheets would have to be thrown away; someone as particular as Alaric would never sleep on them again. And so, the only evidence of that night ended up in the trash outside.Gossip spread among the staff, though. They said Alaric had brought a girl home last night, and that wedding bells might be in the air. After all, in all these years, Alaric had never brought a woman home to stay the night. Vespera was the first – this must be true love!The next day, Alaric woke up intending to return Vespera's purse. But then he got a message from his family about some business trouble, asking him and his brother to come home. It was perfect timing, as Mrs. Strider was ready to go home too. She hadn
Alaric was taken aback. Did Vespera really hate him that much? Enough to throw away a purse he had touched?He let out a bitter smile, and his hand, which had been reaching for the car door, faltered. It felt like all his courage had been tossed into the trash along with that bag.To be honest, Alaric knew he had made mistakes in the past, but he had acknowledged them and made an effort to change. He stubbornly clung to Vespera, believing they were meant to be together. He thought it was fine for him to take the initiative as a man, but now he was starting to doubt everything.Did Vespera truly love him? Alaric began to question whether it was right to chase after a girl like this, without any dignity.It seemed like he was always the one making the effort. Even during their time together, he was the one constantly seeking her out. If he didn’t reach out, she wouldn’t either. This one-sided relationship left him feeling exhausted and powerless, as he never saw any real response from h
Vespera glared at Yvonne, seething with anger. It had always been like this since childhood. Yvonne constantly took what was hers, even though she already had all the love and expectations from their parents. She would steal Vespera’s toys and tear her old dolls to shreds, always with the same excuse: “It’s yours, so I can do whatever I want with it.”But Aurora & Vespera wasn’t just some old doll. It was her career, her dream, her dignity—her only hope of leaving this family and making it on her own. She had poured her heart and soul into this brand, working tirelessly on designs, because it was what she loved most.And now, Yvonne waltzed in, demanding that Vespera hand over Aurora & Vespera. Just like that.There was no way Vespera would give it up. This brand was hers, and no one could take it away!“No way! I’ll never give it to you!” Vespera snapped. “And Elowen better not touch my designs!”The thought of Elowen getting her hands on her work made Vespera sick. She couldn’t bear