Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 96: The offer

Chapter 96: The offer

Nicole’s face stiffened at Zara’s question. She couldn’t respond, caught in the whirl of her thoughts. She recalled the conversation she’d had with Nathaniel.

Truthfully, she hadn’t intended to offer Zara much more than a small project to design a seasonal collection, just to test her. It was only because she owed Nathaniel a favor.

Since Nathaniel had agreed to help her in expanding her business there, she had agreed to help his wife in return. It was a simple equation.

But everything had changed the moment she laid eyes on Zara’s designs.

Nicole had been genuinely blown away, her professional instincts instantly recognizing Zara’s potential. That’s when her offer had shifted from a trial project to something far more significant.

But now, facing Zara’s pointed question, Nicole was stuck. She couldn’t reveal the truth. Nathaniel had asked her to keep his involvement secret, and Nicole understood why now.

Zara’s pride would never let her accept something she believed was handed to her out of pity or influence.

Masking her unease, Nicole laughed awkwardly. "Zara, you are adorable," she said, trying to sound relaxed. "Do you really think I’d offer such a big role just because someone asked me to? Absolutely not. This isn’t a favor. In fact, I’m the one who needed a favor from Nathaniel."

Zara’s brows drew together skeptically. "You needed a favor from him?" she repeated.

Nicole nodded. "Yes. I told you—I’m expanding my business here. To do that, I need a prime location, and Nathaniel has the right contacts. I asked him to meet me to discuss it, and he told me he’d be at this event."

She stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on Zara’s shoulder. "Meeting you here was a complete surprise. I had heard of you, but I didn’t know you. And now that I’ve seen what you are capable of, I am not going to let you go."

Zara’s lingering doubts slowly faded as clarity dawned. ’So that was it—Nicole had approached Nathaniel for her own business reasons. It wasn’t about me. Nathaniel didn’t ask for any favor from her.’

The tension in her chest eased, and a genuine smile danced across her lips.

"Thank you for clearing that up."

Nicole returned the smile with a playful glint in her eyes. "Of course. I’m thrilled about this collaboration. I hope you won’t turn me down."

Before Zara could respond, Nathaniel’s voice cut in smoothly from behind. "Who is rejecting whom?"

Zara turned quickly, and she saw him approaching. Her heart leaped as their eyes locked. So many things she wanted to say—about the show, about her award, about how much his presence meant to her—but now, with him standing right in front of her, the words vanished. Her lips parted slightly, but nothing came out.

Nicole laughed yet again. "Relax. I was only teasing. I’m beyond thrilled Zara agreed to be the head designer of my new branch. Now it’s your turn, Nathaniel. Find me the perfect location for the office. I want to get started right away."

Nathaniel stepped closer to Zara, draping an arm around her shoulders. "Since my wife is officially working with you now, I guess I’ll have to fast-track everything. Give me a month."

"Done," Nicole said cheerfully. Turning her attention back to Zara, she added, "I’m staying at the Grand Hotel. Let’s meet tomorrow and go over everything."

She shifted her gaze to Nathaniel. "I’ve still got a few more things to discuss with you. Can we talk later?"

"Sure," he replied. "Just give me a little time."

Nicole nodded, satisfied. "I’ll be waiting."

She turned and walked away.

Nathaniel turned to Zara, pride swelling in his chest. "Congratulations."

Zara’s pulse was still erratic, but she managed a breathless whisper, "Thanks. I never saw this coming."

"Honestly... neither did I," Nathaniel admitted, an awed smile tugging at his lips. "You completely caught me off guard."

He knew it was Zara’s passion. He had wanted to help her, to support her in reclaiming what she had lost, believing that maybe with the right push, she could start over, grow in her career. But what she had done tonight went beyond starting over.

She had shone so brightly, with such confidence and talent, that she had captivated the entire room, including Nicole.

He remembered how hesitant Nicole had been at first. She had only agreed to give Zara a small project because she owed him a favor. But after the show, it had been Nicole who had sought him out, insisting she had to have Zara as her head designer. That moment had filled him with a sense of overwhelming pride.

"There is a surprise waiting for you at home," he said, leaning in. "We’ll be leaving soon. Wait for me."

Zara nodded, unable to stop the smile blossoming on her lips. She watched him walk away, her heart fluttering. Her doubts were gone; all the anxiety and confusion washed away. Now she was eager to find out what surprise he had planned for her.

She walked toward the green room, a new spring in her step, already imagining Bree’s reaction. ’She is going to scream. Maybe even faint this time.’

The thought made her smile.

"Zara... you really caught everyone off guard tonight." Riya suddenly appeared, blocking her path with a condescending smile. "Shay might have walked away with the title, but you stole the spotlight. Everyone is talking about you—designers, models, even the judges. You are the star of the night."

It sounded like praise, but Zara didn’t miss the sharp edge underneath. She recognized the sarcasm hidden behind those words.

With her chin held high, Zara said confidently, "Yes, I am. And you? You tried everything to sabotage me, to pull me down. But you failed."

She took a step closer, lowering her voice. "Tell me... how does it feel to lose? Bitter, isn’t it?"

Riya’s eyes flashed with fury. "You!" She raised her hand, ready to slap her. But Zara caught her wrist mid-air.

"Don’t even think about it," Zara hissed through clenched teeth. "Or I’ll make sure to humiliate you in front of everyone."

She threw Riya’s hand aside with a sharp jerk, making her stumble slightly. Riya’s expression twisted in frustration as she rubbed her wrist.

"You really think you have won?" Riya spat. "That you have impressed Nicole? You are naïve."

She sneered. "I overheard their conversation before the show began. Nathaniel asked Nicole to give you a chance. That so-called special award you got – it wasn’t because of your talent. It was a pity prize. His way of compensating you for what you lost. Remember the baby?"