I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 91: Past Midnight

Chapter 91: Past Midnight

In the wake of her father’s arrest, Lyse finally felt a semblance of normalcy returning to her life. The relentless paparazzi had finally relented, leaving her and Levi to breathe a sigh of relief.

Her mother had tried to reach out to her, leaving several voicemails and text but Lyse refused to be contacted. She had read in detail what her father was being accused of and it shamed her, she knew that the proceeds from his illegal activities had gone to splurging on Lottie and Brooke, with nary a thought for her.

She felt guilty to even be associated with him in the first place, apparently people had even died. It was not fair that he played with lives simply for profit.

However, the scandal had taken its toll on her professional life. Prospective clients were hesitant to work with her, fearing the negative publicity associated with her name and probably believing that Brooke’s comments about her being talentless might be true.

Levi had quietly offered her a helping hand if she needed. And she knew that if he stepped in, all of her woes would be solved. But she was tired of depending on him for everything, it made her look weak and she was not weak.

She returned to her fashion studio, the once vibrant space now filled with a sense of uncertainty. Her staff, though loyal, were visibly worried. The future of the company seemed bleak in the light of everything.

Lyse knew that she had to act fast. She needed to impress potential clients, to show them that she was a force to be reckoned with, the next best thing in fashion. Winning the Golden Fleece would cement her reputation as a fashion designer but she also had to consider how to ensure that her business was a successful one.

As she sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of fabric and design sketches, a determination ignited within her. She would prove to everyone that she was very capable of creating stunning and ground breaking designs that were also profitable.

As the day wore on, Lyse worked tirelessly, her mind racing with ideas. She sketched, tore out and discarded the pages, she checked the store, picking up swathes of fabric until she decided on one.

She cut, she sewed, she pinned, she pressed, her fingers flying across the fabric she had pinned on the dress form. She was so engrossed in her work that she lost track of time. The studio was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the room.

She decided to stay late that night, pouring her heart and soul into her designs. She wanted to create something truly extraordinary, something that would captivate the hearts of her audience.

As the hours passed, Lyse worked tirelessly, her fingers flying across the fabric. She was driven by a fierce determination to succeed. She knew that this was her chance to prove herself, to show the world that she was more than just a victim of circumstance.

Her staff, exhausted from the long day, began to pack up their belongings. Lyse noticed their weary faces and insisted that they go home. "You have all worked so hard today," she said, her voice gentle. "Go rest. I will finish up here."

Her staff, though hesitant, knew better than to argue with their determined boss. They bid her goodnight and went to their desks in order to pack up and leave, but one person remained, standing resolutely in the same spot.

"I think someone should remain with you in case you need any help, Boss." He insisted, standing firm and refusing to join the others.

Lyse turned to him with a smile. "I really appreciate what you are trying to do Kim, but I need you well rested and at work early tomorrow." She insisted and waved her hands at him to shoo him away. "So, move now. Go home with the rest and sleep."

Kim reluctantly picked up his bag and trudged along with the rest of the staff out of the building. He had really wanted to be there until Lyse was done with what she was doing.

When he got outside the building, he took a different turn from the rest. And when he was certain no one was around, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

On the other hand, after Lyse had dismissed her staff, she fully came to life, she liked to work alone and the solitude of the studio along with the music made her mind race with ideas. She experimented with different fabrics, played with bold colors, and created intricate patterns. She was lost in her work, oblivious to the passage of time.

Hours passed, and still, Lyse was immersed in her creation. She was pouring her heart and soul into this design, hoping it would be the key to her redemption. She knew that she had to impress the merchandiser, not just with her designs, but also with her resilience and determination.

Finally, Lyse finally stepped back to admire her work. The dress, a masterpiece of intricate lace and flowing silk, was everything she had envisioned. It was a symbol of her strength, her creativity, and her unwavering spirit.

She was exhausted, but she was also exhilarated. She knew she had created something truly special, she just hoped that everyone she showed this to felt the same way. A glance at the time showed her it was way past midnight.

She attached a note to her desk, asking her assistant to contact a few merchandisers and prepare a meeting with them as soon as possible. After that, she admired her masterpiece again before turning all the lights off.

As she stepped out of the elevator into the parking lot and began to walk to her car when her arm was grabbed and she was hurled against someone.

Her instincts kicked in, and she fought, her adrenaline surging. She twisted and turned, trying to break free from the assailant’s grasp. "Let go of me!" she yelled, her voice filled with terror.