Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Harper withdrew her gaze and took a sip of champagne.

Elowen wanted to suggest she was a substitute?

The corners of her mouth curved into a faint arc.

If Elowen thought she could provoke her with such words, she was underestimating her.

Yet somehow, those words still took root in her heart.

"There's a place in his heart that no one can replace."

Harper set down her glass and turned to leave.

When the reception ended, Alaric's car was parked at the entrance.

He leaned against the car door, waiting for her. Seeing her emerge, his eyes lit up. "Harper."

Harper walked over, looking at him.

Alaric's smile paused.

"What's wrong?" he asked. "You don't look well."

Harper shook her head.

Alaric looked at her, worry flashing in his eyes.

"Get in," he said. "I'll take you home."

Harper looked up at him. Recently, Alaric had been picking her up every day without exception. But today she felt his attitude was more eager than usual.

In the car, neither spoke.

Harper leaned against the passenger seat, watching the night scenery flash by outside, Elowen's words replaying in her mind.

She turned to glance at Alaric.

His profile was handsome, features distinct, focused on the road ahead.

Harper suddenly spoke. "Alaric."

Alaric turned to her. "What is it?"

Harper looked into his eyes and asked, "What Elowen said—is it true?"

Alaric froze. "What did she say?"

Harper didn't answer, only looked at him.

Alaric's brow furrowed.

"Harper," he said, "whatever she said, don't believe it."

Harper said nothing.

Alaric pulled the car over to the side of the road, turned around, and looked at her seriously. "Elowen and I have known each other since childhood, but that's only because of our families' connection. There was never any engagement, never any first love. She's not my type."

He looked into her eyes, enunciating each word. "The person I like has always been only you."

Harper's lashes trembled.

The sudden confession made her heart stir.

"I meant to confess to you properly, but I was afraid you'd misunderstand, so I had to tell you early."

She looked at Alaric, at those earnest eyes, suddenly not knowing what to say.

Alaric watched her nervously, not knowing how she would respond.

This confession was too hasty.

Just as his heart filled with anxiety, Harper suddenly looked at him and smiled brightly.

"Alaric," she said, "I believe you."

Alaric's eyes instantly lit up.

Harper continued, "But I need time. I just got divorced. I need to think through a lot of things."

Alaric nodded, holding her hand.

"I know," he said. "I'll wait."

Harper looked at him and suddenly smiled.

That smile was genuine.

"Let's go," she said. "Take me home."

Alaric nodded with a smile. "Okay."

The car started again, driving into the night.

Harper looked out the window. Those vague thorns in her heart seemed less piercing now.

Arriving at Harper's apartment, Alaric suddenly spread his arms wide, his eyes startlingly bright. "Harper, I need a hug."

Harper looked at him in astonishment. This side of Alaric was truly rare.

Seeing the expectation in his eyes, she suddenly couldn't bear to refuse.

Taking quick steps, Harper walked back to him and gently embraced him.

Just once was enough to make Alaric overjoyed.

A photo of them embracing soon reached Elowen's hands.

Her fingers trembled as she gripped the photo, jealousy burning in her eyes.

Why should Harper, a divorced woman, be worthy of competing with her for a man?

The next day, Elowen's studio held a press conference.

Harper watched the livestream on her phone.

On camera, Elowen wore a white suit, capable and elegant, standing on stage speaking eloquently.

"I officially announce that our studio will enter the domestic high-end design market. Over the next year, we'll launch three series of new products with only one goal: to claim the title of the country's top designer."

The reporters erupted.

"Ms. Forbes, when you mention the country's top designer, do you mean Harper, who's currently recognized in the industry?"

Elowen smiled, the smile watertight. "Ms. Mellon is an excellent designer, and I respect her. But the design world needs competition, needs fresh blood. I believe the market will give the best answer."

Reporters continued pressing. "So will there be a direct competition between you and Harper?"

Elowen looked at the camera, her gaze seeming to penetrate the screen and land directly on Harper.

"If Ms. Mellon is willing," she said, "I very much look forward to it."

The livestream comments went wild!

[Oh my god! This is a declaration of war, right?]

[Elowen is going head-to-head with Harper? Exciting!]

[Harper just won the championship, and Elowen comes back to challenge her. This is deliberate, isn't it?]

[Whoever wins, this is going to be a great show!]

Harper closed the livestream and leaned back in her chair.

Bianca's call immediately came through. "Harper, did you see that? That woman openly declared war! She said she wants to be the country's top designer—isn't that challenging you?"

Harper made a sound of acknowledgment.

Bianca grew anxious. "What are you going to do?"

Harper stood and walked to the window.

"She wants to compete," she said. "Then we'll compete."

Bianca was stunned. "You're accepting the challenge?"

The corners of Harper's mouth curved upward. "She called me out publicly. If I don't respond, people will think I'm afraid of her."

Bianca grew excited. "Right! Compete with her! How will you respond? I'll help you contact the media!"

Harper thought for a moment.

"No rush," she said. "Let me think about how to respond."

After hanging up, Harper stood by the window, looking at the sunlight outside.

Elowen's provocation came fast and fierce.

She'd declared war publicly, targeting her directly. This wasn't simple competition anymore—she wanted to use her as a stepping stone to climb higher.

But what Elowen didn't know was this.

She, Harper, was no longer a doormat for others to manipulate.

That afternoon, Harper's studio's official account posted a message: [Major new product of the year, currently in preparation. Concurrent release, stay tuned.]

The accompanying image was a partial design sketch, with sharp lines and a distinctive style.

A single sentence that said nothing yet said everything.

Concurrent release.

Concurrent with whom?

The answer was self-evident.

The comments section exploded instantly.

[Harper has accepted the challenge!]

[Concurrent release—she's directly confronting Elowen!]

[Harper is so cool! I support you!]

[Can't wait! Two major designers in a head-to-head battle—this is too exciting!]

Bianca looked at the heated comments section, grinning from ear to ear.

"Harper, this move is brilliant! You said nothing yet said everything. Now everyone's waiting for both your works. The hype is maxed out!"