Chapter 5

The crystal chandeliers of the grand hotel ballroom sparkled, soft music flowing from the live band in the corner. That night was supposed to be a glittering celebration: the grand launch of Adrian Corp’s gown collection.

Guests arrived in high spirits. Major investors filled the front row, their faces glowing with expectation. Adrian stood at the side of the stage, his black suit immaculate, a thin smile masking the storm of unease within him.

Beside him, Cassandra, radiant in her glamorous gown, leaned closer and whispered with utter confidence.

“Relax, Adrian. Tonight they will forget Rosemary. Once they see my designs, everyone will know who truly deserves to be by your side.”

Adrian only gave a brief nod, though his heartbeat thundered in his chest. He remembered the investor’s chilling warning: “If the quality does not match Rosemary’s, our partnership is over.”

The spotlight hit the stage. The MC’s voice rang out with enthusiasm:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the unveiling of Adrian Corp’s newest collection! Please welcome our first model!”

Dramatic music swelled. The curtains drew back. The first model strutted onto the runway in Cassandra’s gown.

And instantly, the atmosphere shifted.

The dress… was terrible.

The expensive satin that should have flowed with grace looked stiff and lifeless. The colors clashed horribly—garish purple paired with a blinding green. The golden embroidery at the waist was crude, almost forced.

Murmurs swept through the audience.

“What on earth is that?”

“The gown looks hideous.”

“Isn’t that premium fabric? Why does it look so cheap?”

Cold sweat broke across Adrian’s forehead. He glanced at Cassandra, whose forced smile was cracking though she tried to keep her composure.

The second model stepped out in an evening gown. But the design was worse—it ruined the silhouette of her body. Black lace clashed with blood-red sequins in a garish, overdone mess. The gown screamed vulgar, not elegant.

The murmurs grew louder. Until one man’s booming voice silenced the room.

“Adrian! Is this what you call a masterpiece?” Investor William shot to his feet, his face red with anger.

Adrian hurried forward. “Mr. William, this is just the beginning—”

“The beginning?” Another investor, Madam Clara, cut in sharply. “Look at that gown! The material is ruined, the stitching sloppy! Do you think we’re blind?”

Cassandra stepped up quickly, struggling to keep her poise. “This is a modern concept—a daring fusion of colors. Something never seen before.”

“Foolishness!” William roared. “That’s not daring, that’s disastrous! You’ve wasted fabric worth millions and humiliated us in public!”

Camera flashes exploded across the ballroom, capturing Adrian’s paling face. Guests whispered, some even snickering openly.

“Adrian,” Clara’s voice was sharp as a knife, “you promised us a collection on par with Rosemary’s brilliance. But what I see is amateur trash. Do you really expect investors of our caliber to put money into this… garbage?”

Adrian raised his hands desperately. “Please, just give us another chance—”

“No more chances!” William thundered. “I’m pulling out my entire investment. As of tonight, our partnership is finished.”

One by one, other investors rose to their feet.

“Yes, we’re withdrawing too.”

“Adrian Corp can no longer be trusted.”

“This debacle stains our reputations as well.”

Chaos erupted. Investors stormed out, faces twisted with rage, ignoring the rest of the event.

“No! Please! Wait! We can talk about this!” Adrian nearly stumbled after them, his face ashen. “I swear I’ll fix everything, I can—”

William spun around, his gaze burning with contempt. “The only person who could save this project was Rosemary. But you drove her away. Now face the consequences yourself.”

The words hit Adrian like a sledgehammer. He froze, paralyzed in the middle of the ballroom, surrounded by sneering eyes.

Cassandra clutched his arm, whispering frantically.

“Adrian, don’t listen to them. They’re just too conservative. They don’t understand art—”

“Shut up, Cassandra!” Adrian shoved her hand away, his voice exploding like thunder. Cassandra gasped, paling at his fury.

“You said you could rival Rosemary! You swore you’d make them forget her name! And look at what you’ve done—ruined me! You’ve humiliated me in front of everyone!”

Cassandra’s lips trembled, but no words came. Her face drained of color, her confidence shattered.

The MC rushed to close the event, the music fading awkwardly. But it was too late. What should have been Adrian Corp’s triumph had become a public disaster.

Adrian stood at the center of the ballroom, his body trembling. His empire was crumbling—not just his business, but his pride, his very name.

And then, in the hollow echo of his own downfall, he whispered the one name he had tried to bury:

“Rosemary… Will you still come back and rebuild this company with me?”