Fall From Grace, Rise To Reign

"I see, so you quarreled with Jeremy," Laurie said lightly, folding her arms. "My son prefers women who are gentle and sensible. You should stop acting like a spoiled princess whenever you're unhappy."

Hearing that, Lainey curved her lips in a cold smile.

"And who gave you the right to lecture me?" she asked calmly, eyes sharp. "I let many things slide before, but from now on, you will answer for every mistake. You still owe me five million, so you can repay it by working here without pay."

After speaking, she turned toward Bruno. "Bruno, starting today, do not give her a single cent until that five million is settled."

Relief washed over Bruno, surprise bright in his eyes. At last, Lainey was no longer blinded by love.

"Understood, Miss White," he replied at once.

Laurie stood frozen, staring at Lainey in disbelief.

What had happened to Lainey today?

Before, Lainey had always humbled herself for Jeremy, yet now she kept her distance and even forced Laurie to work for nothing to clear a debt.

Laurie swore to herself that once Jeremy came back, she would make him put Lainey in her place.

......

The next morning at the White Group.

In the open-plan office of the fashion design department, Lainey paused mid-sketch as her phone vibrated beside the drawing board.

"Luna, I heard you're back," the caller said eagerly. "Someone from the Roberts family just offered twenty million to secure your return piece."

"Not for sale," Lainey said flatly, eyes never leaving the sketch.

"But it's the Roberts family, and that twenty million is only the down payment," the voice pleaded, strained.

"Say one more word," she replied coolly, tapping her pencil. "And you won't see a single line from me."

"Come on, I'm your agent," the caller coaxed softly.

Lainey ended the call without mercy.

Who would have guessed she was once the world renowned chief designer, Luna.

Two clean drafts already lay finished beside her when Jeremy and Erin arrived late, their presence stirring quiet whispers across the floor.

Everyone knew how, for six years, the junior assistant Lainey had chased the director with quiet devotion, until Erin arrived as deputy and announced her relationship with Jeremy soon after.

Noticing the empty desk, Jeremy frowned, irritation tightening his brow.

What was wrong with Lainey today? Why hadn't she brought the breakfast over?

The office exchanged puzzled glances.

Jeremy walked to Lainey's desk and rapped his knuckles against the wood.

"Lainey, where's the breakfast?" he asked curtly.

Lainey stopped her pencil and lifted her eyes. "What are you talking about," she said calmly.

Impatience flickered across Jeremy's face.

"For Erin, of course," he said sharply. "Since you forgot, go buy it now. She wants the special set from Ocean's Repast. Hurry."

Erin tugged lightly at his sleeve, voice gentle.

"Jeremy, it isn't right to make her do that every day," she said softly. "I heard the line takes two hours at least. Maybe I should go myself."

Erin had barely taken a few steps when Jeremy reached out and stopped her.

"It's fine," he said lightly, drawing her back. "You're the deputy director, and every sketch you touch is worth millions, while she's only an assistant, so it's natural she runs errands for you. She likes doing this anyway, and if you stop her, she'll only sulk."

After that, he turned toward Lainey and said, "Isn't that right, Lainey?"

Lainey curved her lips into a faint smile. "Thanks for reminding me—I nearly forgot."

She lifted her phone and dialed a number.

"How much longer before you get here?" she asked quietly.

Before the line could go silent, a voice answered from the doorway, "I'm already here."

Every head turned at once.

Dylan stood there, calm and distant, sharp features carved by the light.

A plain white shirt clung to him, two buttons undone at the collar, tan skin and strong lines half revealed.

Without moving, he filled the room with quiet pressure.

His eyes found Lainey at once in her blue dress.

Under countless stunned gazes, he crossed the room and set the breakfast gently on her desk.

Jeremy glanced at him and reached for the bag.

"Lainey, don't think this little trick will make me forgive what you did last night," he said coldly.

A shadow crossed Dylan's face.

So Lainey had summoned him at dawn only to flatter that man.

The moment Jeremy touched the takeout bag, Lainey caught it and pulled back.

"Let me be clear," she said calmly. "This is the breakfast my boyfriend brought for me."