Rewriting My Heart's Fate

"So... Ms. Wiley, my advice to you is to give up on this entirely," Tony said coldly.

"A beginner designer like you, just starting out, could never compete with someone from the Mars Group. Even with talent, you're nothing more than a nobody in the presence of the world's richest man." I clenched my fists tightly. My nails were digging deep into my palms.

Each word felt like a sharp dagger piercing into my heart. The tragedies of my past life were destined to repeat themselves in this one.

A mere designer could never stand up to a prodigious heir.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Thank you for your advice, Mr. Burtt. But Mr. Grayson and I are just business partners. Who he's with doesn't concern me. As for his marriage, I'll wish him well." With that, I stood up and nodded at Tony. "I have work to attend to, so I must take my leave."

Without another word, I turned and walked out of the room.

Behind me, Tony's cryptic laugh echoed. "A wise choice, Ms. Wiley. I hope we'll have opportunities to collaborate in the future."

I ignored him and strode quickly toward the exit.

My tears began to well up, and I struggled to hold them back.

I couldn't cry-not here, at least.noveldrama

I ran out of the restaurant and jumped into my car. I started the engine, slammed the gas pedal, and sped off.

I didn't know how long I drove, but eventually, I stopped. I rested my head on the steering wheel and cried uncontrollably.

The tears broke through, pouring out in a wild rush.

Why was fate playing such a cruel joke on me? In my past life, I had endured Ethan for so many years.

This time, I thought that if I just became strong enough, things could work out. Now, I was strong enough to stand beside him, maybe even surpass him. But why was it still like this?

It was only now that I realized it had

all been a fantasy, a wishful thinking of mine. Love was something someone of my status should never dare to hope for.

I cried for what felt like an eternity until my tears began to dry up. I wiped my face and called Kevin.

"I'm not feeling well today and need some rest. You and Lianne can take care of the studio. I'll return in a few days."

After hanging up, I slumped back tiredly in my seat. I needed time alone, time to think about where I should go from here.

Just then, my phone dinged with a message.

I opened it and saw a text from Ethan. "Evelyn, I heard your company is holding a show during Fashion Week. I'll be there to support you." Reading those words, a surge of anger bubbled up inside me.

How dare Ethan contact me now? When I needed him the most, he was nowhere to be found. Now, he suddenly wanted to offer his support?

I scoffed and immediately blocked

him. I no longer needed his support for Fashion Week. This time, I would demonstrate Evelyn Studio's value through my own abilities.

The only way to push aside my sadness, even if just for a moment, was to stay busy. I threw myself into work and obsessively prepared for Fashion Week.

From scouting locations and building the runway to selecting models and curating the show's music, I attended to every detail with a perfectionist's eye.

Lianne and Kevin noticed how

distracted I was sometimes but

wisely refrained from asking questions. They offered their full

support in my work. They were my strongest pillars.

At last, Fashion Week arrived.

Evelyn Studio's debut show created a huge buzz in the industry. Countless media flooded the venue, making it nearly impossible to move.

I stood backstage. My gaze was fixed on the dazzling lights of the runway.

At that moment, I was the brightest star on the stage.

"Evelyn, everything is ready." Lianne's voice came through my earpiece.

"Great. Let's start," I responded. I was calm and confident.