10. Another Possible Victory

Walking into Libellule House, Elizabeth was still stunned at what had just transpired. August's fiancee was begging her to take on her wedding dress project.

"I have been such a big fan since day 1, and it would make me so happy if you would design my wedding dress!"

Elizabeth could not say no to her, and she had looked so sincere. So, she gave in.

"Alright, team, are we ready to go into battle?!" she exclaims, walking into the meeting room. Her team yells back, excited and sensing her renewed energy.

"Despite the setback of our projects that my mother pulled out from under our noses, I have some exciting news!" Elizabeth beams at them and looks at their anxious faces.

"Come on, boss, we can't stand the suspense!"

"Yeah, please tell us!"

Elizabeth chuckles at their curiosity and looks around the room. "This morning, something rather spectacular happened on the way here," she continues while looking at their faces. "We've got the contract to design Emily Gray's wedding dress!"

The whole room thunders with excitement and applause

"That's the Dereon Wedding! EEK!"

"Oh my gosh, boss! This will put us back on the map!"

"Everyone will flock to us after this news!"

She surveys the room proudly. "Exactly. And I will not hide the fact that our setback is due to my mother's meddling. She will have a hard time killing the following after we reveal that our own Libellule House made the dress!"

Another thunderous applause sounds, and Elizabeth feels her heart expand with joy. "I will be contacting Ms Gray to discuss the dress details until then; let us continue with our smaller projects and hope for the best. Our House won't go down so easily!" With these words, Elizabeth senses a newfound inspiration amongst her team. She sighs proudly and spots Liza heading over to her. She also spots the glint in her eye.

"Let's head to your office, and you have A LOT to explain," Liza says to her, and Elizabeth sighs in resignation.

After spilling the beans on what happened in the last 24 hours, Liza sits back with her eyes wide.

"You actually told August Dereon what you thought about his engagement party??" Liza looks shocked. Elizabeth laughs at her response. "Well, to be fair, I didn't know it was The August Dereon I was confessing to! And secondly, my mother sent me there under the impression that he was looking for a wife and wanted me to stick my so-called claws into him and his family." Elizabeth continues and sighs. "As for the scene on the balcony, I didn't know it was him! and I was feeling particularly sour that evening." She thinks back to falling out with her mother, and her heart breaks slightly.

"Well, one good thing came out of this. We landed a huge contract!" Liza exclaims, "That reminds me, the guy I heard when you called me this morning was -"

"August Dereon," Elizabeth replies

"Did I hear right, or did he call you Little Dragonfly?" Liza prompts. Blushing at the nickname he gave her, she nods. Liza looks at her, and her eyes widen yet again. "One of these days, your eyes will pop out, I swear," Elizabeth laughs and rolls her eyes.

"Wait, wait, wait! What does this mean?" Liza pushes. She looks at Liza and rolls her eyes, "It means nothing, Liza. We need to get back to work. Let's chat some other time, okay?"

Liza pouts and agrees. Stomping out of the office, Elizabeth cannot help but laugh. Liza was her best friend, but she was so dramatic.

And with that, Elizabeth snaps into work mode and starts her day.