Chapter 368

Alexander's gaze was unfathomable, like still waters of a deep pool.

Sophia's lashes fluttered slightly as she nodded in agreement.

It was just one night at Westmount Villa.

She trusted his integrity.

His restrained behavior throughout the day proved he harbored no improper intentions.

The guest room bed was luxuriously soft. She slept soundly without dreams.

In the upscale apartment near Versini Couture, a light burned until dawn.

Daniel stared at his computer screen, his stylus tracing over the digital canvas repeatedly.

The neckline embroidery lacked refinement.

The cuff detailing needed adjustment.

Every element had to be flawless.

Tomorrow was the Starlight Design Awards—his best chance to shine.

Finally satisfied with the design, he picked up his phone and opened the long-dormant chat thread.

Their last exchange was a week ago.

Further up, vibrant conversations from two months prior.

Gavin had once mentored him generously.

But somewhere along the way, the senior designer's warmth had vanished.

Now even their office encounters carried an icy distance.

Daniel pressed his lips together and sent the finalized design.

[Mr. Winslow, please review my competition entry.]

No response came.

The light in his eyes dimmed.

The Cunningham residence blazed with light.

Gabrielle clung to Isabella's arm excitedly.

"Once I start at Versini Couture, my first paycheck is all yours for a gift!"

Despite her fashion degree, she'd failed the preliminary screening.

That night, she'd sobbed under her covers, confiding only in Isabella overseas.

To her surprise, Isabella promised immediate placement.

The Cunningham Group supplied fabrics to Versini Couture.

Pulling strings to insert an intern was child's play.

Isabella forced a smile at the younger girl's enthusiasm.

"Don't mention it," she murmured.

Her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window revealed shadowed eyes.