"I meant everything I said on that stage. This award isn't just for me; it's for all of us because we're a team. Without all of you, this wouldn't have been possible," Thalassa said to the gathering of her employees at TT Fashion House the following morning. "And as I mentioned, prepare for a percentage increase in your various salaries because you deserve it," Luisa added, standing beside Thalassa and heightening the excitement of everyone present.

"Thank you, Luisa and Lassa. You two are the best bosses ever!" one of the women said, receiving echoes of agreement from the rest.

"Please don't let what Carmen did get to you. None of us would ever do something like that to you," another employee assured.

Thalassa's smile faltered slightly. "I hope so."

She knew better than to be naive and assume none of them would betray her. She hadn't expected Carmen's betrayal, but all it had taken was a bribe, and Carmen had turned against her. "Thank you, everyone," Thalassa said, bringing the small meeting to an end.

One by one, the employees filed out of the conference room leaving only Thalassa and Luisa behind.

Luisa sighed blissfully. "It's so nice to see everyone so happy, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Thalassa replied, but her voice lacked enthusiasm, causing Luisa to frown.

"Lassa, you should be happy now. Have you checked our stocks?"noveldrama

Thalassa shook her head, and Luisa continued, "Our stocks have increased by a whopping 40% in just 12 hours. It's the highest surge in stock, not just for our company, but for any company ever in such a short time. Speculation is that we'll be featured in Forbes' largest private companies next year. We've received several orders for the collection we showcased at the show. The dress you modeled in has millions of orders!"

"Wow. That's wonderful."

Luisa pursed her lips, noticing that Thalassa's voice still lacked the enthusiasm she expected. She tried a different approach. "On the other hand, Miller Fashion House is in shambles. They dropped 80% in just 12 hours. Can you imagine? I don't think they'll ever recover from this crisis, and-"

"Can we not talk about that woman?" Thalassa interjected, speaking as calmly as she could.

Talking about it only reminded her of what Kris had done. She shouldn't feel this way because she had lost her trust in Kris a long time ago, but for some inexplicable reason, she still felt deeply betrayed.

She wasn't going to try to get him arrested because she knew he could use his influence to weasel his way out, but his punishment would be watching his mother's fashion empire crumble after he'd sabotaged her to save it.

"You're right," Luisa agreed. "Let's not talk about that woman. Let's focus on our success.

"

"Hello. Can I come in?" a familiar voice called from the door of the conference room.

They turned to see Millie, and Thalassa frowned. "You know you don't have to ask for permission to come in, Millie. You're always welcome here."

Millie flashed a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she entered the room. She hugged them both before her expression turned a bit serious.

"So, I heard about what happened to your collection. I must admit, it sucked having to hear about it on TV." Thalassa and Luisa exchanged looks, their expressions dropping, filled with regret.

"Oh, Millie, forgive us," Luisa said, stepping forward. "Yesterday was just so crazy. First, we thought we were going to have to drop out of the competition. Then we were alt racing against the clock to remake all the designs before the show started. It was all so chaotic, we couldn't think about anything else."

"But if you'd let me know, I would've come to support you. I mean, I don't know how to design or sew dresses, but I would've been here for you." Millie let out a small laugh to cover the hurt she felt.

Yes, Thalassa and Luisa had spent years together in New York, so naturally, they were closer to each other than to her. But it still hurt to be excluded.

Sighing, Thalassa took Millie's hand in hers. "It won't happen again, Millie. Will you please forgive us?"

A smile finally stretched across Millie's lips. "It's okay. I was just being a drama queen. Congratulations on your win, girls!"

She squealed pulling them both into

a group hug. After they pulled back,

she added, "You managed to beat that witch even after what she did to keep you out of the competition. Linda Miller claims to be a woman of integrity, but she's nothing but-"

Millie trailed off, noticing the sour looks on her friends' faces. "Hey, what's the matter?"

Luisa was the one who answered. "It wasn't Linda who tried to sabotage Thalassa, Millie. It was Kris."

For several seconds, Millie stared at them wordlessly before letting out a soft chuckle. "Is this a joke?" Luisa shook her head. "No."

"But...but how could you even think that Kris would="

"No, Millie, not today. I'm asking you not to defend him," Thalassa cut her off, her voice calm but firm.

"Okay," Millie agreed. "But I really thought it was Linda herself."

"Yes, that's what all of us thought initially. Had it not been for Clark, we wouldn't have known the truth," Luisa said. Millie stiffened. "Clark?"

"Yes. Clark was the one who gave

Thalassa the idea to install another camera in the display room, not connected to the building's CCTV network. That's how we were able to

capture Carmen, the model who destroyed the dresses."