0004

SEVEN YEARS LATER.

LOCATION: FRANCE.

SCENE STARTING POINT: LILIAN LUXE FASHION HOUSE.

Standing next to Lilian was her PA, Sophie Martinez, her fingers nervously clenched between her teeth as she watched her boss draw multiple designer ideas on a sketch book for an highly anticipated fashion show in France—the biggest of them all!

Lilian was one of the best Runway Designers in France and was chosen to make fashionable clothes for the runway models of the event and would be handsomely awarded if she won with multiple outstanding designs like she always did.

Sophie's voice trembled with excitement as she asked, "Ma'am, do you think we'll win this fashion contest too? It's the biggest in France, and the most prestigious we've ever had the chance to participate in." 

Lilian chuckled, setting her pencil down and holding up the finished sketches.

"We're done, Sophie! All that's left is to bring these designs to life. And, of course, for you to keep your emotions in check," Lilian teased, smiling warmly at her assistant. Sophie's eyes widened as she took in the sketches, a perfect "O" forming on her lips. "You know I'd always win so there's no need to get nervous," Lilian added, teasing her more.

Just then, Lilian's phone rang on the desk, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen and her face lit up with a soft smile. It was her husband, Sebastian Barker. She had saved his contact with a sweet nickname, "Mon Roi" - My King. 

As she answered the call, memories of their blissful married life flooded her mind. Sebastian was, indeed, her perfect partner  and a great dad to their kids- loving, caring, and supportive in whatever they do. 

Lilian felt grateful for saying yes to his proposal seven years ago, and she knew that their life together was only just beginning.

Lilian's cheeks flushed as she answered the phone, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hello, Seb." She hid behind her hair, avoiding Sophie's teasing gaze.

Sebastian's deep voice came through the speaker, laced with excitement. "Mademoiselle, turn on the TV right away. There's breaking news, and I think you'll be just as stunned as I am, babe!"

Lilian got curious, a frown etched on her face as she asked, "What's going on, Seb? What's on the news?" She caught Sophie's eye, gesturing for her to turn on the TV, which Sophie quickly did.

Sebastian continued, "I just received word from my PA that our kids had snuck out of school under our nose and have been secretly participating in a famous singing contest. Surprisingly, they've won over the audience hearts and the contest too."

Lilian's eyes grew wide as she scanned the breaking news on TV, and it read...

"BREAKING NEWS: The talented young singers of the Barker Family have won over the hearts of their audience and that of a renowned billionaire with their incredible voices as they are given a fashion empire worth millions of dollars as an award!

In a heartwarming gesture, they've dedicated their award to their loving mother, Lilian Barker, a fast rising star in the French fashion companies. The family have been invited to meet with Mr. Cunningham Audrey, the sponsor, at an exclusive consortium to discuss potential partnerships and collaborations."

"What?" Lilian gasped, astonished by the news because she never expected this from her kids even though she knew they were brilliant and talented.

Sebastian continued, "Yes, Sweetheart. I was just as shocked as you are. But it's real. Sadly, I am still tied up in a business meeting. I wanted to let you know so you can head to the consortium meeting room ahead of me. I'll join you as soon as this meeting concludes, My Love. I wouldn't take much time, I promise," he whispered and Lilian swallowed silently.

She found it hard to digest the news she was hearing and seeing on the TV screen concerning her kids achievement. But she knew the only way to find out how true this news was was by going to the consortium as requested.

"Okay, Seb. I will get going right away," She said as she hung up the call. 

Lilian immediately dropped all she was doing and headed out of the fashion house as she got into her red BMW that was parked in the garage downstairs with Sophie who wanted to go along with her to the meeting as her PA.

****

By the time they arrived at the hotels location, Lilian found the media bustling outside the hotel building with their cameras already turned on, ready to capture the moment of the Barker's family arrival.

Sophie got out of the car and quickly went round as she opened up the door for Lilian who glamorously stepped out.

"Lilian Barker is here!" One of the media's exclaimed and all cameras was immediately directed at her as they all began hovering around her while asking multiple questions like:

"Mrs Lilian Barker, we heard your little twins won the Uprising Singing Stars contest. How do you feel about this, Ma'am?" One of them asked while holding a microphone close to Lilian's lips.

Another came in, "Were you aware of their participation in this contest, ma'am? How do feel about your kids winning and becoming heirs to a fashion designing empire and putting all awards in your name? Do you believe you can handle the responsibilities that comes with the award?" 

Another cut in, "Why are you here alone? Why didn't Mr. Barker come along with you? Isn't he proud of his kid's achievements? Is it something personal? Can you let us know more about this?" 

They asked tons of questions while Sophie hurried to get the guards who would intervene in this mess.

"Sorry but I can't answer any questions right now, but maybe I will later. Not now at least," Lilian apologized while struggling to get past them and the guards came in the nick of time to pave way for Lilian to get through as the guards held back the media from coming close or around her.

"Excuse me, ma'am," one of the guards said, "Mr. Cunningham is waiting for you in the meeting room upstairs. Please, follow me."

Lilian nodded, and with Sophie by her side, they were led into the hotel. They took the elevator to the 5th floor, where the guard took them to the consortium meeting room. He stopped outside the glass door and gestured for Lilian to go in.

"You may go in now, ma'am. They're all waiting for you inside. In the meantime, I will get your kids from the master bedroom where they're being accommodated," the guard informed her.

Lilian's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you. I'll be waiting," she said with a smile, before the guard left and Sophie quickly pulled open the glass door for Lilian to go in.

Lilian was welcomed by the sight of board of members seated around a long conference table as her eyes scanned around but a deep voice took her attention.

"Mrs Lilian, you're here!" it belonged to Mr Cunningham Audrey. 

"Welcome welcome. Please have your seat," he gestured to a reserved seat which seemed to belong to her as it was positioned at the head of the table.

"Oh, thank you so much Mr. Cunningham. It's a pleasure to be here before you all," Lilian said softly with a smile, but in a more professional tone and manner.

Mr. Cunningham waved his hand dismissively, his expression genuine. "Please, it's our pleasure. Your kid's sweet gesture has left us all in awe. They've not only won the competition but have also transferred the ownership of our global fashion empire to you. The documents have been finalized, and all that's left is for you to review and acknowledge them."

As he slid the documents across the table and Lilian went through it, her eyes couldn't stop from widening in astonishment. 

The papers revealed that her children had indeed transferred the ownership of the empire, worth millions of dollars, into her name. The blue stamp of the court on the final page confirmed that the transaction was legitimate and binding.

"This is... insane," Lilian muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief as she nervously ran her fingers through her silky hair. Her lips trembled slightly, biting them in a nervous gesture, her eyes still locked on the document in front of her.

"I completely understand, Mrs. Lilian," Mr. Cunningham responded with a knowing chuckle. "If I were in your position, I'd feel the same way." A few other board members laughed in agreement.

Mr. Cunningham straightened, gesturing to the people seated around them. "Now, allow me to introduce the partners of the French Touch Global Empire. These are all respected fashion designers collaborating with us. Please make sure to remember their faces as I go through the introductions."

He flipped open a file and continued. "We’ll start with the ones who’ve contributed the least and work our way up. Here's each of their profiles." He passed a file to Lilian, his eyes scanning the room.

"This is Wilson Barker," Mr. Cunningham said, smiling as he gestured toward the man in question. "A well-known designer based in LA and the CEO of West Enterprise, now rebranded as The BW Enterprise."

Lilian’s gaze snapped up from the file, and her breath got caught in her throat, her eyes narrowing as they met gaze with the last person she expected to see—her ex-husband, Wilson Barker.