Chapter 217: Walked Into Something That Felt Like A Trap
The whirring of the sewing machines, usually a comforting background noise, seemed amplified today, each buzz and whir a jarring reminder of the chaotic events of the morning. Lyse sat at her desk, staring at her table screen, but the lines of dress she was trying to design felt like squiggly lines before her eyes and they refused to make sense. Her mind kept replaying the confrontation with Levi and Brandon, the raw emotions that had surfaced, the lingering hurt and confusion. She tried to focus on her work, to immerse herself in the familiar rhythm of her tasks, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the two men, their words echoing in her mind.
She sighed, pushing away from her desk and walking over to the window. The city sprawled beneath her, a tapestry of concrete and steel, bustling with life. But Lyse felt disconnected, isolated from the vibrant energy of the metropolis. She felt like an outsider, watching the world go by, unable to participate in its vibrant dance with the unhappiness all around her.
She had considered abandoning the atelier, after all Levi had been the one to give it to her. But she decided that she deserved it for the stress he had put her through, plus she would pay him rent soon enough so that it would be strictly transactional between them. She did not want anything of his, but this? She had worked too hard to just relinquish it.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside her office door. Raised voices, frantic pleas, and the distinct sound of someone forcing their way through a barrier. Lyse frowned, her unease growing. She recognized the shrill tone of the voice – Brooke, what was she doing here at this time?
Her secretary, Mrs. Evangeline, poked her head into Lyse’s office, her face etched with panic. "Ms. Lyse," she stammered, "Ms. Brooke... she’s here. She’s insisting on seeing you. I tried to stop her, but..."
Before Mrs. Evangeline could finish her sentence, Brooke burst into the office, her face flushed with anger, her eyes blazing with fury. She ignored Mrs. Evangeline frantic attempts to intervene, her gaze fixed on Lyse.
"You!" Brooke spat, her voice dripping with venom. "You think you are so clever, don’t you? Trying to steal Brandon away from me!"
Lyse sighed, her weariness deepening. She had expected this. She had known that Brooke wouldn’t let this go.
"Mrs. Evangeline, please," Lyse said calmly, addressing her secretary. "Leave us alone."