Semua Bab My Ex's Boss is My Baby's Father: Bab 31 - Bab 40

Show day.The backstage area was chaos. Models sat in makeup chairs getting transformed. Hair stylists worked with hot tools and hairspray. Dressers rushed between racks pulling specific garments. Photographers documented everything. Music played from someone's speaker. People shouted instructions over the noise.And in the middle of it all, I was trying not to throw up."Chloe, we need you to approve Blair's makeup," someone called."One minute," I managed, pressing my hand against my mouth.The nausea had been building all morning. Stress combined with pregnancy hormones created a perfect storm. I'd been fighting it for an hour but I was losing the battle.Riley appeared at my elbow. "You look green. Bathroom. Now."She steered me through the chaos to a private bathroom, closing the door behind us. I barely made it to the toilet before vomiting violently."It's okay," Riley said, holding my hair back. "Get it out. You've got time."I heaved until there was nothing left, then sat bac

The closing gala was held in the same historic hotel where the pre-Fashion Week event had been. But tonight felt different. Tonight, the rankings would be announced. Tonight, I'd know if all my work had been enough.I wore a borrowed dress from Riley's closet, something black and elegant that hid my small bump. My hair was styled, makeup professionally done by one of the artists who'd worked my show. I looked successful and confident.Inside, I was terrified.Riley, Margaret, and several team members attended with me. We sat at a table near the back, too nervous to eat the fancy food being served."Whatever happens, you should be proud," Margaret said. "That show was exceptional. Eighth place would be an incredible achievement for a brand that was dead last six months ago.""But it wouldn't meet the bet terms. I need top five.""The bet was for all three shows," Riley reminded me. "You still have Paris and Milan. Maybe New York was just the warm-up."But I knew the truth. First impres

Three weeks after New York Fashion Week, Travis showed up at Cross Luxury Group headquarters.I was in my studio reviewing fabric samples for Paris when Rachel Kim called.Chloe, there's a situation in the lobby. Your ex-husband is here demanding to see you. Security is handling it but I thought you should know."My stomach dropped. "Don't let him up here.""We won't. But he's making a scene. Shouting about you stealing from him, about how you owe him everything. It's getting ugly."I went to the lobby against my better judgment, staying back where Travis couldn't see me but I could observe. Derek, my security guard, stayed close.Travis stood at the reception desk, his face red with anger. Two security guards flanked him, ready to intervene if necessary."I have every right to see my wife!" he shouted. "She works here, doesn't she? I'm her husband!""Ex-husband," the receptionist corrected calmly. "And Ms. Thorne has made clear she doesn't want contact with you. You need to leave.""

The flight to Paris was my first time on a private plane. Lucien had chartered it for the entire team—me, Riley, Margaret, the models, hair and makeup artists, and essential crew."This is how you travel for Fashion Week?" I asked Riley as we settled into leather seats that were more comfortable than my bed."This is how Lucien Cross travels. He's making sure we arrive rested and ready to work."I looked out the window as we took off, watching New York disappear below. Somewhere down there, Travis was dealing with whatever legal and business moves Lucien had set in motion. I'd stopped asking for details, choosing to trust that it was being handled.Four weeks to Paris. Now we were here.The flight attendant brought champagne for everyone. I accepted sparkling water instead, avoiding questions about why I wasn't drinking. At twenty weeks pregnant, I'd stopped trying to hide it completely from my inner circle, but I still wasn't ready for public announcement.Paris greeted us with gray

The night before the Paris show, a fashion industry party was held on a luxury boat cruising the Seine. Lucien's PR team insisted I attend."You need to be seen," Rachel explained. "Network with European buyers, make connections for future shows. Plus, the positive publicity will help counter Travis's smear campaign.""I'm exhausted. I need to rest before tomorrow.""Two hours. Show your face, make nice with important people, then you can leave."Lucien found me in my hotel room as I was getting ready. He wore a perfectly tailored suit that made him look devastatingly handsome."I have a surprise for you," he said. "Someone's coming to the party who wants to see you.""Who?""You'll see."At the boat dock, guests were boarding the sleek vessel that would cruise the Seine past illuminated landmarks. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance. Notre Dame's silhouette rose against the night sky. Paris looked like a fairy tale.Then I saw him.Leo stood on the dock holding Blair's hand, we