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.