Chapter 3

"Roy, take me upstairs now. I'm the designer Mr. Lopez—"

Before I could finish, Roy lost his patience and shoved me to the ground. "Do you even understand how important today's designer is? Move! Don't just stand there!"

I fought to keep my temper in check. "Roy, I don't have time for this."

With that, I grabbed my bag and started walking toward the elevator.

Just then, Ava let out a startled gasp, pointing at my outfit with trembling hands. "Roy, her clothes look like pieces from the latest runway collection."

Roy's softened expression quickly turned cold. He studied my outfit closely and sneered. "Her outfit's from this year's collection.

"At this point, the factories probably haven't even finished producing it. Where did you get it?"

Before I could answer, Roy continued, "I know you're trying to get my attention by wearing new pieces, but do you realize how disastrous it is for a designer to wear knockoffs?"

I frowned and shook off Roy's hand from my sleeve. I knew exactly how damaging a knockoff could be for a designer, but this wasn't a knockoff.

Every piece I was wearing had been designed and made by me. Aside from being loaned out for a single runway show, there was no other piece like it in the world.

"I designed and made this outfit myself," I said firmly.

Ava immediately let out a mocking laugh. "Did you really design this, Sylvia? Don't tell me you're just Sarah under a different name."

I was about to nod when Roy slapped me across the face. "Can you stop acting insane? Look around you. Sarah is an internationally renowned designer.

"Countless major brands are fighting to work with her, but you? You don't even deserve to speak her name!"

Everyone around me looked at me with contempt.

I knew exactly what they meant. Five years ago, I had been a dull, exhausted housewife, following Roy around and handling chores. There was no way anyone would have linked me to that renowned designer.

I was Sarah, yet I refused to explain myself to them. I covered my face and glared at Roy.

Perhaps because I had never stood my ground like this before, my anger seemed to catch Roy off guard. He frowned, pulled a card from his wallet, and handed it to me.

"There's some money on this card. Use it to buy some clothes. After all, you've been with me for so many years. If you really want to meet Sarah, I'll help arrange it, but don't wear knockoffs."

I met everyone's gaze and handed the card back. "No need. We have nothing to do with each other anymore."

No matter how sour Roy's expression grew, I walked past him and headed upstairs.

I always kept my word. Since I had promised to meet the partner, I couldn't leave in such a messy way. Before I had even taken two steps, Roy's cold voice cut through the air.

"Nothing to do with me? Sylvia, you really are something."

Perhaps humiliated in front of everyone, Roy gritted his teeth in anger.