Chapter 61: The Reveal
Two uniformed legal officials quickly approached Sienna and took hold of her arms. “Ms. Sienna, you are suspected of document forgery and business defamation. Please come with us.”
Sienna was escorted out of the venue. The farce was over.
Professor Hayes nodded at Evelyn, her voice regaining its former seriousness. “Evelyn, continue your presentation.”
Evelyn took a deep breath, pushing all the conflicting emotions aside. She returned to the center of the catwalk, and the spotlight hit her again. She began explaining the concept of the ‘Rebirth’ collection.
“The inspiration for ‘Rebirth’ came from discarded old silk fabrics at the orphanage where I grew up,” she said. She pointed to the detailed images displayed on the screen. “Some were damaged, some faded, like lives forgotten in a corner. But I never saw it as an end. I collected them, used the most traditional hand-dyeing process, dipping them over and over, until I achieved this unique, deep purple, somewhere between violet and midnight. It represents the flower of hope that blossoms from the dust of despair.”
“The subtle pattern woven into the fabric is the iris.” She switched the image. An exquisite iris pattern was faintly visible against the deep purple. “Its flower language is ‘hope of rebirth’ and ‘faith.’ The veins of every petal were hand-embroidered, hidden beneath the dark base color, only visible under a certain light. This symbolizes an unseen resilience and strength, a yearning for light even when surrounded by darkness.”
Her explanation lacked flowery language but was full of sincere emotion and power. The judges nodded repeatedly, their approval undisguised.
When Evelyn finished her presentation and bowed, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause.
Professor Hayes stood up. “No further deliberation is needed! Evelyn, your work not only displays exceptional design skill but also conveys the soul of design. That is emotion and story. I announce that the first place of this final review goes to you!”
She paused, her eyes gleaming as she looked at her former star student. “And I officially invite you to join my personal team. Evelyn, welcome back.”
After the review, Evelyn politely declined the onsite media interviews. Professor Hayes took her and Laura in a discreet black sedan.
“To the Nova Group New York branch,” Professor Hayes instructed the driver. “Evelyn, Ryan K. Lawrence wants to meet you. He was very impressed with your design. Don’t be nervous.”
Evelyn’s heart stirred. “Understood, Professor.”
The car smoothly entered the busiest part of downtown and stopped in front of a futuristic skyscraper. The Nova Group logo gleamed in the sunlight. Professor Hayes led her into a private elevator that whisked them to the top floor.
The elevator opened to a quiet, luxurious corridor ending at a heavy ebony door. Professor Hayes opened the door, motioned for her to enter, and addressed the person inside. “Mr. Lawrence, I’ve brought Evelyn.”
Evelyn stepped inside, her heart skipping a beat. The office was vast, with a floor-to-ceiling window showcasing the city skyline. A man stood with his back to her, leaning against the window, casually toying with something silver and glinting.
That silhouette felt familiar. The man heard them and slowly turned around.
It was Ryan.
“This is Mr. Lawrence, the CEO of the Nova Group,” Professor Hayes introduced.
Evelyn gasped. He’s the CEO of the Nova Group? Ryan K. Lawrence?
Ryan wore a well-tailored dark gray suit. The silver object he was toying with was an iris-shaped lapel pin, as sharp and captivating as the light in his eyes.
He strode toward her. Evelyn’s heart pounded uncontrollably.
Ryan stopped in front of her. Without speaking, he lowered his head and gently pinned the iris brooch onto the neckline of her gown, just above her collarbone.
“Congratulations on your victory, Ms. Evelyn. It seems I made the right call.” His voice carried a hint of subtle aggression, making her ear tips instantly flush crimson.
“I have matters to attend to. I’ll leave you two to talk.” Professor Hayes discreetly turned and left the office, closing the door softly.
They were alone in the vast space. The air seemed to solidify.
Ryan’s gaze fell on her flushed earlobes, and his smile deepened. He raised a hand and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead.
“The moment I saw your designs in college, I knew you were a pearl, and you were bound to shine eventually.”
Evelyn’s mind went blank again. Mr. K… he’s Mr. K? The one who funded her, encouraged her, and remained utterly mysterious?
She instinctively took half a step back, but the moment she moved, Ryan anticipated it. He closed the distance in one long stride, an arm circling her slender waist, pulling her against him with undeniable force.
Evelyn crashed into his hard chest. The clean, dominating scent of cedarwood and a faint hint of tobacco enveloped her. Before she could react, his warm chin rested lightly in the hollow of her neck, his light stubble grazing her sensitive skin, sending a subtle shiver through her.
“Don’t forget, I was the one who held the umbrella for you on the street corner in the rain. “
“I was the one who saved you from those two pieces of trash in the hotel. “
“And I was the one who handled that problem with Dennis for you.”