Chapter 7

Edith's heart raced.

Did James realize he was wrong and investigate the so-called bullying?

In the end, he believed her?

Still, she was caught in that delusion for just a moment when Nora sent another voice message.

"Will is onto Susie but bumped into James' boys. It seems that James has taken an interest in her identity."

The fantasy in Edith's mind faded right then.

So James didn't believe her after all.

Replying with a voice message, she said, "Let him do whatever he likes. I'm not interested in him now."

With that, she tapped out of the chat app and added Ruby on WhatsApp, and Ruby quickly invited her to meet up.

It had been two years, so now that she saw Ruby again, she felt embarrassed and couldn't speak.

She did give up on her future for love, and now that she wanted to start anew, it was natural that she was ashamed to meet her former boss slash mentor.

Ruby was the top elite designer in the country. Her brands were famous in all corners of the nation and carried significant influence in the international scene.

She was also Melody's friend.

When Edith had just started college, Melody had introduced Edith to Ruby as she knew Edith loved fashion design.

By her sophomore year, Edith was working and studying part-time.

Seeing that she was gifted, Ruby was quickly interested in grooming Edith as her successor, but the arranged marriage was proposed right after Edith graduated, and she gave up on that path.

She thought she could leave without regrets, but just two years later, she regretted everything.

Edith was naturally terribly embarrassed at having to sit in front of Ruby again, but Ruby didn't mention the past, and instead comforted her. "You're young. It's the time to make mistakes and choose the path you want most."

"Ruby…" Edith smiled.

Hearing such a shy yet intimate greeting, Ruby felt a wave of nostalgia as she remembered her old friend Melody.

Taking Edith's hand and giving her a pat, she asked, "Have you made up your mind now?"

Edith nodded solemnly. "I want a fresh start."

Among the younger generation of international fashion designers, she was a late bloomer, but she was genuinely gifted and had won prizes as an intern for her outstanding work.

The only issue was the fact that she didn't keep going after winning.

Ruby, who always had an eye for talent, felt bad for her because of that.

Now that Edith had made up her mind, she was happy for Ruby—whether as an elder or as Ruby's boss.

She then said, "Well, I guess I have a successor now—I can die happy."

Edith froze, confused as to what she meant.

Ruby, however, smiled nonchalantly. "Come on, I'm just kidding. It's early, and I'm not dying just yet, but my strength has left me, and I would like some help."

"I-I don't know what to say…"

"Oh, don't worry about it," Ruby told her and excitedly changed the subject. "Anyway, I've taken a good look at your draft, and it's stunning. I knew your creativity didn't regress, even if it's been years since your last work."

Edith sighed in relief at Ruby's approval but was hesitant as she asked, "You think I can take part in your show?"

Ruby raised her brow. "Why not? Made in Heaven was always meant to scout for better designers, and I wouldn't have gotten involved at all if I'd known you were returning. But I signed a deal with the broadcasting channel and have to honor it… Still, it suits us just fine since you can use this chance to make your debut. With your ability and your looks, you'll shine bright."

Hearing Ruby put it that way, Edith could not hide her excitement.

Time flew as they discussed the show and exchanged ideas, and Ruby was hesitant to leave even as her assistant came, urging her to move on to her next appointment.

Sighing, she told Edith, "There's another month until the show starts, so get some practice while you have time. And be confident!"

Edith nodded.

Ruby gave her a hug and was about to turn and leave when she paused. "Mr. Shatner?"

Edith was reaching for her bag and paused too, and she turned where Ruby was looking.

It really was James.

Edith raised a brow—he was back from his business trip already?

As both she and Ruby turned, James heard them and turned toward them as well.

So did Susie, who was standing beside him and choosing her coffee.

Edith scowled right then.

So as soon as he came back, he didn't even wait before going on another date with Susie?

Ruby seemed to have read about the gossip between James and Susie and turned to look worriedly at Edith.

Edith pursed her lips and shook her head. "I'm fine."

Ruby then explained, "I forgot to tell you, but James has expressed interest in investing in our program."

Edith was surprised since Shatner Inc. had yet to branch into showbiz.

Perhaps James wanted to branch out?

Even as the thought crossed Edith's mind, James and Susie had reached them one after the other.

James eyed Edith first before offering Ruby a polite handshake. "Ms. White."

Miriam was Ruby's VIP client, and in time, Ruby had become acquainted with James.

Susie went up too, and Ruby shook their hands, looking between them. "Out on a date, Mr. Shatner?"

James raised a brow but said nothing.

"Surely you jest, Ms. White." Susie simply smiled as she explained, "We were talking about work… Oh, and I'll be taking part in Made in Heaven too. I'm counting on your help in the future."

"That would be presumptuous of me," Ruby replied, formal yet distant.

However, Susie was keen to bond with her and quickly initiated small talk. "You know Ms. Conrad?"

Ruby raised a brow at James. "Didn't Mr. Shatner tell you that his wife is my apprentice?"

Then, without giving Susie a chance to argue, Ruby pressed, "Don't tell me that you want to invest in Made in Heaven for Ms. Lindt's sake, Mr. Shatner?"

James slid his hand in his pocket, his tone at once formal. "Company investments are decided by a group of professionals."

Ruby's eyes lingered on his face for a couple of beats, and she laughed with an edge in her voice. "It'd be great if you keep it professional, or Ed would inevitably get the wrong idea."

A man with money and power, with an actress who was single?

Anyone would get the wrong idea, and Ruby was no fool.

No matter how influential James was, there were things she couldn't abide with and had to point out, even if it left him and Susie in an awkward spot.

Still, James was respectful enough not to start arguing.

Having made her point, Ruby turned to clap Edith's shoulder. "I'm busy, so I'll be going now."

Nodding at the other two, she then turned to leave.

Edith picked up her bag and was about to leave as well, but James strode up and caught her wrist. "Wait. We need to talk, and we can go home together once Susie and I are done."

Edith flashed a vague smile. "Sorry, but I'm busy."

James' tone turned cold right then. "Can you stop being so jealous? This is serious."

She was jealous?

Edith almost laughed out loud—somehow, she got him really deluded.

Since he left a week ago, she hadn't called to check in like before, or did he not realize that?

And he was still convinced she was still into him?

Pushing his hand off, she stood on her toes while holding on to his shoulders, assuring him solemnly, "Don't worry—I'm not jealous or throwing tantrums. Take your time with Ms. Lindt. Whatever it is, it can wait until we get home. I'm really busy here."

James frowned even more.

Was Edith really not jealous at all that he was with Susie?

Was she the same Edith who was possessive and always so jealous, making him vow not to let any other woman get within three feet of himself?

On the other hand, Edith wasn't bothered by what he was thinking and waved at them before turning to leave.

Susie then went behind James, saying gingerly, "You really should comfort her when you get back. I'm worried she'll drive herself over the brink."

James simply lowered his gaze, silent.

Meanwhile, Edith hurried to her car—she had plenty to do.

Nora and Wilson had called her to meet up after she wrapped things up with Ruby, and they said that it was really urgent.

As Edith arrived at the private club where Nora was, she saw that it wasn't just Nora and Wilson—Quinn was there too.

She was surprised, as Quinn would not usually show up for such stuff.

Moreover, all three had grim looks on their faces, so she grew serious too. "What's up?"

Nora seemed too furious to speak as she dropped her phone loudly on the table and gestured for Wilson to speak.

Edith sat down, glancing between them. Wilson unlocked the phone, pulled up the trending page, and handed it to her.

"Just five minutes ago, the Conrads presented their real heiress."

Seeing Nora this furious…

Edith already had a bad feeling. There was only one possibility.