Days passed quickly for Eden on the island. Since her arrival, she had been studying foreign languages and learning how to act and move like a royal princess.
Donna made sure to keep her updated on everything happening outside — especially her sudden popularity on social media. The Royalty perfume campaign had been a huge success, and people everywhere were asking what had happened to the new face of Empire and Kingdom.
Meanwhile, at the company headquarters, tension was rising.
"What's going on, Paula? Cynthia?" Nancy demanded as she entered the office, frustration clear in her voice. "Your daughter hasn't shown up for days! Where is she? After the event, she just disappeared."
Executives had been looking for Eden ever since a major TV network offered her a lead role — an opportunity sparked by her viral fame and the overwhelming success of the Royalty brand. Billboards across the city featured her face, and online fans kept asking when she would appear again.
"I think I told you before," Paula said calmly. "Eden won't be staying here for long. She's studying — she went back abroad."
"Just like that?" Nancy snapped. "Don't you realize she has obligations—"
"Excuse me?" Paula cut her off sharply, her tone edged with irritation.
"In case you've forgotten," she continued, "Eden never signed any contract with this company. She agreed to do the Royalty project, and that's all. The campaign's done. She owes you nothing. You have no right to chase her, because there's no legal agreement. Understood?"
Nancy fell silent, biting her lip.
"She—" Nancy started, but Cynthia's quiet voice interrupted her.
"I'm sorry, but she won't be coming back," Cynthia said gently. "Her studies are more important. Modeling was never something she truly wanted — she only agreed because she was persuaded. Please, just respect her decision."
"That's a shame," came a new voice from the doorway.
All eyes turned as Daniella entered, followed by Ashmaria.
"Empire and Kingdom wanted to offer her something she couldn't refuse," Daniella continued. "With the positive reviews and the rise in market value, we hoped she'd stay on as our model and endorser. But from what I've heard…" She glanced at Cynthia with a faint, knowing smile. "It seems that's no longer possible. Truly unfortunate."
Cynthia met her gaze steadily. She could see from Ashmaria's expression that the girl already knew the truth — that Eden was no ordinary model, but royalty by blood. Yet the secret was not for the public to know. Not yet.
"I'm sorry, Director," Cynthia began softly. "Eden was never meant for this kind of work. I also want to apologize — she left without saying goodbye."
Of course, Cynthia couldn't reveal the truth about what was really happening in her daughter's life. Everything was about to change, and once the news broke, she knew everyone would be shocked. What she didn't know was how they would react once they learned who Eden truly was.
Daniella crossed her arms lightly, her gaze calm but probing. "Even my niece here insists that Eden won't be coming back," she said, glancing briefly at Ashmaria. "I came here today just to make sure that was true. I didn't realize they'd become close enough for her to know what's coming."
Ashmaria met her aunt's gaze but said nothing, a faint, knowing smile flickering across her lips.
Ashmaria straightened in her seat, her expression calm yet unreadable. "We've spent some time together, that's all," she said in a steady voice. "Eden's… different. She doesn't chase fame or attention the way people think. Maybe that's what makes her so captivating."
Daniella arched an eyebrow. "Different, yes. But you're speaking as if you know something more."
Ashmaria smiled faintly. "Maybe I do," she replied, her tone soft but laced with meaning. "Or maybe I just understand what it feels like to live with expectations that don't belong to you."
Her words hung in the air. Cynthia looked at the young woman, sensing that there was more behind her calmness—something she wasn't saying.
Paula, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward. "Perhaps we should all give Eden the space she needs," she suggested diplomatically. "She's young, but she knows what she wants."
"Of course," Daniella conceded, standing from her chair. "Still, Empire and Kingdom will always welcome her back—should she decide to return."
Ashmaria rose as well, her gaze briefly meeting Cynthia's. "Don't worry," she said gently. "Eden is safe… safer than you might think."
The tone in her voice made Cynthia pause. There was something reassuring in it—something only a person close to Davin could have said.
When the two women left the office, Cynthia let out a deep sigh. Paula turned to her, concern shadowing her eyes.
"She knows something," Paula said quietly.
Cynthia nodded. "Yes. And I think she's keeping the same secret Davin is."