The days moved faster than Alicia expected.
Sketches turned into designs.
Designs turned into purpose.
And for the first time in a long while…
She felt like she was becoming someone.
In the studio, fabric draped across mannequins, pins carefully placed, every detail intentional.
"Don't move," Alicia said, adjusting a sleeve.
"I'm not moving," Sophie replied dramatically. "I'm suffering."
"You volunteered," Alicia reminded her.
"I volunteered for support, not to become a mannequin."
Adrian sat nearby, watching the process closely.
"You're doing fine," he said.
Sophie glanced at him.
"Are you talking to me or her?"
"You," he said calmly.
Sophie blinked, slightly caught off guard.
"…Oh."
Alicia smiled faintly but stayed focused.
"This piece has to stand out," she murmured.
"It already does," Adrian replied.
"Not enough."
Across the room, Maria organized fabrics while Lina carefully steamed a finished piece.
James stood near the doorway, observing everything with quiet approval.
The house felt alive with purpose.
In the study
Daniel Reyes stood across from Michael, holding a tablet.
"There's been movement," Daniel said.
Michael looked up immediately.
"What kind?"
"Subtle. Someone attempted to access competition submission data."
Michael's expression darkened.
"Were they successful?"
"No," Daniel replied. "But it confirms interest."
A pause.
Then Michael said quietly
"Stay ahead of it."
"I will."
Back in the studio, Alicia stepped back from her design.
Her eyes scanned every detail.
Every line. Every fold.
"This is it," she whispered.
Her phone buzzed.
Another call from her father.
"Dad?"
"Alicia," Richard Anderson said, his voice steady but firm. "I heard submissions are starting soon."
"They are."
"Are you ready?"
Alicia looked at her design.
Then at her hands.
"…I think so."
Richard paused.
"You don't sound convinced."
"I'm just nervous."
"That's normal," he said. "But don't let fear make decisions for you."
Alicia smiled slightly.
"I won't."
"Good," he replied. "Make me proud."
The call ended.
But his words stayed.
Later that evening
The mansion quieted again.
But not completely.
Sophie and Adrian stood on the balcony, overlooking the city.
"You've been serious lately," Sophie said.
"I always am."
"No," she said softly. "Not like this."
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he looked out into the distance.
"There are things you don't see yet," he said.
Sophie frowned slightly.
"Like what?"
He turned to her.
"For now… just trust that I'm paying attention."
Sophie held his gaze.
For once…
She didn't argue.
Inside, Alicia walked down the hallway, holding her final sketches.
She paused again.
Two doors.
Two choices.
This time…
She knocked.
The door opened.
Michael stood there.
"I need your opinion," she said.
He stepped aside.
"Come in."
She placed the sketches on his desk.
"This is my submission."
Michael studied them carefully.
Not rushing.
Not dismissing.
Minutes passed.
Then
"It's strong," he said.
Alicia exhaled slightly.
"Just strong?"
Michael looked at her.
"It's more than that."
A pause.
"It's you."
Something in her expression softened.
Outside the gates
The enemy lowered their binoculars slowly.
A faint smile forming again.
"Progress," they murmured.
Inside the mansion
Everything seemed calm.
Normal.
But beneath the surface…
Something had already begun to crack.