EMBERS OF RESISTANCE

eya

owing Kaiden is okay brings peace to my heart. Soon, I'll be reunited with him. But for now, I want to appre

Bravia. Darcy is with me this time. Being the CFO, she usually hand

andle these kinds of events, but tonight, I'm stepping into the spotlight. The hotel isn't far from my company headquarters, but the grandeur of it sti

on House at events like this for years, taking the reins while I stayed hidden behind the scenes, buried in work. As part of making it up to her, she insist

ne," she reassures me

ire collection. You ar

strength. She's more than just my CFO-she's my rock. Together, we've built some

of faces swirled before me, a cacophony of hushed whispers and tinkling glasses the soundtrack to this high-society spectacle. My pulse qui

oor were like pesky flies compared to this. Thankfully, a gentle reminder (read: a strategically placed lawyer) had them beha

spotlight for so long. But tonight, the Wynter name wouldn't just be whis

down my shoulders. The backless, off-the-shoulder red dress I wore fit like a glove, accentuating my figure and revealing a delicate

art-shaped necklace, a design I had crafted myself, adding a personal touch to the striking ensemble. As we stepped into the room, heads turned, whispers growing louder as

rcy's voice, tinged with amuse

that brought out her eyes-clung to her figure just right. At 5'6", her black heels gave her an extra edge, and the sleek black bag on her shoulder added a polished touch. The earrings dangling from her ears s

rs," I replied with a wink, thou

make the Wynter name synonymous with something more than whispered rumors and past shadows. Our team is already waiting inside. Mike, my bril

ors, he used to be a model so he mostly handles the selecti

s with her presence, boss?" he teases

in sync with the vision I used to create the clothes. I used to design the jewelry myself, back before the company grew, but Carmen has elevated it t

n my designs from head to toe. The dresses will shimmer under the hotel's crystal chandeliers, and the tailored

e's the seasoned voice of reason in our team, a man who's seen the rise of empires and the fall

supported me through the years feel a sense of pride swelling in my chest. For the fi

with the people who matter most. As the lights dim and the music starts, I take a deep breath, ready to s

mine, and I was ready to ba

n athletic build that hinted at his dedication to fitness, he stands as the epitome of modern-day sophistication. His face is a masterpiece of classical features cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a subtle stubble t

lance of refinement and charm. Dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, paired with a black shirt and a bold red tie, he embodies suave sophistication. He looks l

and though his expression is more reserved, there's a sense of focus and intensity in his demeanor. His neatly styled dark brown hair contrasts with his companion's tousled waves, giving him a more polished look. His out

ring but with contrasting energies-one intense a

r VIP seats. This is a competition for all fashion companies in Bravia, with the

best brand in Bravia and the entire Ensia country inclu

cipation. My eyes drift back to the man with the piercing gaze, now seated in the VIP section d

d tie, sitting next to the guy in the dark blue suit?

at's Ace Powers and the other guy in a dark bl

the slight tension in her posture and a subtle stiffening of her shoulders. She's acting very st

Ace or Rake, and I can't help but wonder why. Has she met one of

is is, it runs deep. I want to ask her, to help her open up, but I hold back. I'll give her the time she needs. Dar

The Powers and Mason families belonged to an exclusive club far above billionaires, the trillionaire club. These two families weren't

their influence was vast, and their reputations were even larger. They didn't just dominate Bravia's skyline; they practically

in Scovia. We had both attended on scholarship, surrounded by children of the elite, while we navigated the world of privilege as outsiders. It was strange to think that the very institution

calculated moves. They had crushed competitors with ease,

help but wonder what history might lie between them. I vividly remember Darcy and I watching the last competition on TV three years ago, mesmerized by the designs. Sienna Fashion Company, led by the poised Trinity Brentley

gh me. I knew our designs were strong-elegant, bold, and daring. But still, t

m of suspense in the room. My team had worked tirelessly for this collection, each piece crafted to perfection. Yet standing here

Kaiden's eyes had warmth, whereas Ace's were

n, not mine. It was down to two: me and Trinity Brentley. Just like last time. The tension in the ai

e final part of this competitio

ded attention, and as he took the mic, the room fell into a hushed sil

," he began, a faint smile playing on his

ned forward in anticipation. And then, with an almost arroga

ickered across faces. I grit my tee

cy who was murmurin

ide and not accept whatever

t the end. I'm extending a new challenge. Three months from now, in this very room, we'll hold another competition. You'll

positively thrilled by the news

xt round," she gushed, completely oblivious to the

ith amusement as he tilted his head. "And you, Miss.

her voice cool and professional., "Miss Wynte

voice a low murmur as he said, "One week, Miss Wynter." He let my name lin

's smirk grated at my patience, but it was Ace's gaze that stayed

g with. The gauntlet had been thrown, and I was ready to ris

dragging out the word, "t

s man think he could throw us into another competition just t

an opportunity."But I wasn't about to

hissed, barely able to

're just pawns in