"This can't be true!" the model burst out as they all returned to the conference room. Her voice echoed sharply off the walls.
Daniella sat calmly at the head of the table, the results folder open before her. "The votes were unanimous," she said, her tone clipped but polite. "Almost all of our staff and executives agreed—Eden will represent both Empire and Kingdom for this campaign. Her beauty is natural, her presence captivating. She embodies what this project stands for."
"She only looked that way because she was wearing your designer's dress!" the model snapped, her anger trembling beneath her words.
Daniella's polite expression vanished. "Miss Suarez," she said, voice turning cold. "You had the same opportunity to wear one of our designer's creations. You chose to wear your own. The dress did not win the votes—she did. Everything was done fairly. I suggest you accept the result with grace."
"This is ridiculous!" the model's brother stood up, shoving his chair back. "You're choosing an amateur over a professional? Fine! If you want your brand to fail, go ahead."
"Let's go," he said sharply, and his sister followed him out of the room without another word.
When the door closed behind them, silence lingered.
"I'm sorry for that," Daniella said at last, adjusting her blazer. "Anyway—congratulations, Miss Eden. You were spectacular. For this project, however, we will be assigning you a different designer moving forward."
Eden blinked, surprise flickering across her face. "Assign a different designer? What do you mean?"
"My niece," Daniella said, her tone cooling, "is not yet ready for a project of this scale."
Eden's brows furrowed slightly. "That's unfortunate," she said softly. "Because I think her designs are perfect for this project. And I would love to wear her clothes again." She paused, then straightened in her seat. "But if she won't be part of the team… then I'm afraid I can't sign the contract."
"What?!" Daniella and Nancy said at the same time, both looking utterly stunned. Even Ashmaria's eyes widened in disbelief.
Eden continued calmly, her voice steady. "The only reason I had confidence during the photoshoot was because I was wearing a beautiful gown made by a wonderful designer. I wouldn't feel right wearing anyone else's designs. My mom and my aunt Paula would agree with me." She looked toward them, and both women nodded firmly.
"Yes," Paula said with a smile. "If you'll allow, we'd like to request Miss Bryant as Eden's official designer for the project—if she's willing, of course."
Ashmaria stood abruptly, eyes glimmering. "I'd be honored," she said, voice filled with quiet emotion.
Nancy frowned. "Wait—what is happening? You all just decided this without even consulting me?"
Bernard, who had been silent until now, spoke up with a faint smile. "Well, I think Miss Eden made a convincing case. Ashmaria is talented—she'll do wonderfully on this project."
Ashmaria bit her lip, struggling not to grin. Gratitude filled her chest as she glanced at Eden, who smiled back. For the first time, she felt like someone truly believed in her — not because of her family, but because of her work.
Daniella sat back in her chair, stiff and silent, her composure cracking ever so slightly.
"That's good to know," Eden said, smiling warmly. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Ashmaria."
Daniella could only nod, her jaw tight. The decision had been made — and there was nothing she could do to undo it.
The meeting had ended, the others dispersing with quiet congratulations and relieved smiles. But behind the boardroom's frosted glass doors, Daniella Bryant remained seated, motionless, her nails drumming lightly against the table's polished surface.
When Ashmaria finally gathered her sketches and turned to leave, Daniella's voice cut through the silence—sharp, cold.
"Close the door."
Ashmaria froze. She hesitated before obeying, her pulse quickening. As the latch clicked shut, Daniella stood, the heels of her shoes echoing against the marble floor.
"Tell me," she began, her tone dangerously calm, "what spell did you cast on that girl?"
Ashmaria blinked. "Excuse me?"
Daniella's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Don't play innocent with me. You think I don't see it? You let her wear one of your designs—one gown—and suddenly she's willing to challenge me in front of the entire board?"
"I didn't ask her to do that," Ashmaria said quietly. "She spoke from her own heart."
"Her heart?" Daniella scoffed. "Or your manipulation? You've learned well from your mother—playing the victim, pretending to be humble while twisting people to your side."
Ashmaria's breath caught. "Don't," she said softly. "Don't bring my mother into this."
"Oh, but why not?" Daniella stepped closer, her voice low and venomous. "You're exactly like her—stubborn, naïve, always thinking kindness can change the world. You don't belong in this industry, Ashmaria. You don't belong in my family's company."
Ashmaria's hands tightened around her sketch folder, the edges biting into her palms. But she said nothing. Years of swallowing her pride had taught her silence was safer.
Daniella leaned in closer, her words a whisper that still cut like glass. "Enjoy your little victory. The girl may have chosen you, but this isn't over. Sooner or later, you'll make one mistake—and when you do, I'll be there to remind everyone exactly who you are."
The door opened suddenly. Both women turned. Eden stood at the threshold, eyes wide, confusion flickering across her face.
"Oh—sorry," she stammered. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Daniella straightened instantly, her expression smoothing into a mask of professionalism. "Eden. No need to apologize. We were just discussing project details."
Ashmaria lowered her gaze, her voice barely a whisper. "It's fine."
Eden hesitated, glancing between them. She could feel the tension still humming in the air, sharp and heavy. But she forced a small smile. "Well… I just came to ask if Miss Bryant—if you'd like to join us for dinner. My mom and Aunt Paula thought it might be nice for everyone to relax after the long day."
Daniella smiled thinly. "That's kind of you, dear, but I have another engagement."
Eden nodded, then turned to Ashmaria. "Then maybe you'll come with us? Please. I'd love for you to join."
For the first time since the confrontation began, Ashmaria looked up—meeting Eden's warm, sincere gaze. Something in her chest softened. "All right," she said quietly. "I'd like that."
Eden smiled, her voice brightening the dim room. "Then it's settled."
As the two women left, Daniella stood alone in the conference room. Her reflection glared back at her from the glass wall, her composed smile gone.
"This isn't over," she whispered to herself, the promise bitter on her tongue.