The next morning, ire was already in her office when she decided it was time to bring Talia and Adrian together for a brainstorming session. With the fashion show just around the corner, she needed all hands-on deck. She shot off a quick message to both of them and within an hour, they were all gathered around ire''s office.


    "So, let''s talk about the fashion show," ire started, getting straight to business.


    "So," Adrian started, leaning back in his chair with a grin, "I''ve been thinking. What if we redo the entire collection with a mix of fire elements? Something bold, something that screams we''re not backing down. Since the fire ruined the fashion show. The fire could symbolize our spirits unquenchable, unbreakable. The audience won''t know what hit them."


    Talia''s eyes lit up as she tapped her fingers on her chin. "I love that! Fire is so powerful, so fierce. I can already picture a few designs with some fiery details. I will talk to the other designers maybe their ideas could bring in some fresh perspectives too." ire nodded, already imagining the dramatic impact it could have. "And for the venue?" she asked, tapping a pen against her lips as she thought.


    They are all deep in thought until ire shares her ideas. "How about an outdoor theme?"


    Adrian snapped his fingers as an idea struck him. "Why not use my family''s mansion on the outskirts of London? It''s got plenty of space, and since most of the family is in the city, the ce is practically empty."


    ire turned to him, a bit surprised. "Your mansion? Are you sure that''s okay?"


    Adrian shrugged like it was no big deal. "Of course. The ce could use a little action. Plus, it has a stunning garden area that we could use for the show. The whole thing could be outdoors, but with enough warmth from heaters to keep everyonefortable." ire raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You''re sure about that? It''s a big ask."


    Adrian shrugged with a smile. "It''s fine, really. My family only goes there for vacations, and most of them are in the city right now and I think it''ll be perfect for what we''re nning."


    "Alright, then it''s settled," ire said, pping her hands together. "We''ll use the mansion. I just need to check in with Armetta to get her permission to hold another fashion show. After that, we can proceed with the n."


    The three of them continued to bounce ideas off each other, diving into the nitty-gritty details of the show. ire suggested inviting some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, the kind of people who could really elevate the event''s profile. Talia scribbled down notes as fast as she could, her excitement bubbling over.


    Eventually, the meeting wrapped up, and ire and Talia headed out of the office to meet with Armetta. As the three of them walked down the hallway, Matthew appeared from around the corner, his usualid-back demeanor in ce. "Heading somewhere?" he asked, his eyes flicking between ire and Talia.


    ire smiled. "We''re off to see Armetta. I need you to keep an eye on the robot project while I''m gone."


    Matthew gave a mock salute, grinning. "Got it, boss. But if you don''te back, I''m totally taking the credit for the robots."


    ire chuckled and shook her head, giving him a yful pat on the shoulder. "Keep dreaming, Matthew. That''s never going to happen."


    Matthewughed as he nodded at Adrian, who returned the gesture. "Good luck with Armetta," Matthew said as he turned to head into ire''s office.


    Once they were out of earshot, Talia nced at ire, curiosity shining in her eyes. "You know, you''ve never really told me how you and Matthew met. I know he works with you, but that''s about it."


    Adrian, walking just a step behind them, perked up at this. ire was always so private, especially when it came to the people she trusted most. He found himself curious too, wondering what kind of history ire and Matthew shared. ire waved her hand dismissively, though there was a hint of fondness in her voice. "Oh, Matthew''s just an old friend. We''ve known each other for years. He''s someone I can rely on."


    Talia wasn''t satisfied with the vague answer, however, ire changed the subject before Talia could ask more. "So, Adrian, where are you off to next?"


    Adrian grinned. "I''m flying to America for a few days. I have some business to handle over there. But don''t worry, I''ll be back just in time for the fashion show." ire nodded, her usualposed expression softening slightly. "Safe travels, then. And don''t forget to bring back some of that American charm for the show." Adrianughed, shaking his head. "I''ll do my best. But you know, ire, nothing beats London when ites to style."


    Talia rolled her eyes yfully. "Oh, please. You two and your London pride. Just make sure you''re back on time, Adrian. We''ve got a lot riding on this show." They reached the elevator, and as the doors opened, ire turned to both of them with a confident smile. "We''re going to pull this off. I can feel it."


    ire and Tali? pulled up in front of Armetta''s house, the kind of ce that screamed old money with its ivy-covered walls and pristine


    garden ire couldn''t help but


    admire the flowers lining the


    pathway as they made their way to the front door.


    "Ready?" ire asked, ncing at Talia.


    Talia nodded, but her hands were fidgeting with her purse strap, giving away her nerves. "As I''ll ever be."


    They reached the door, and Talia


    took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell. The chime echoed through the house, and they both stood there, waiting. The wait felt longer than it actually was, and just as Talia started tapping her foot, the door swung open.


    A maid appeared, dressed in a crisp uniform that looked straight out of a movie. She gave them a polite smile. "Good afternoon. How can I help you?"


    Talia cleared her throat. "We''re here to see Mrs. Armetta."


    The maid opened the door a bit wider, inviting them in with a graceful gesture. "Please,e in. I''ll inform Mrs. Armetta of your arrival. You can wait in the living room."Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ire and Talia stepped inside, their footsteps echoing slightly on the polished marble floor. The house was just as grand on the inside, with ornate furniture and heavy drapes that made everything feel a little more serious than it needed to be.


    As they settled onto the plush couch, ire noticed how Talia''s hands were shaking slightly. She leaned over and ced a reassuring hand on Talia''s shoulder. "Hey, it''s going to be fine. Just breathe."


    Talia offered a shaky smile. "I know, I know. It''s just...you know nervous."


    "Don''t worry, we''ve got this," ire said with a wink.


    Just then, they heard the sound of


    footsteps approaching. Both women straightened up as Mrs. Armetta entered the room. She was a small


    woman, but her presence was anything but. With her ck hair pulled back in a tight bun and sharp eyes that missed nothing, she was the kind of woman whomanded attention without even trying.


    "ire! Talia! What a surprise," Mrs. Armetta eximed, a mix of curiosity and warmth in her voice. She moved forward to hug them both in greeting.


    "We didn''t mean to drop in unannounced," ire began, returning the hug, "but we needed to talk to you about something important."


    Mrs. Armetta tilted her head slightly, her sharp eyes narrowing as she studied ire and Talia. "Important, you say? Well, now you''ve got me curious. What''s this all about?" Her soft Italian ent only added to her charm. ire took a deep breath, ncing at Talia before speaking. "We need your permission for something, Mrs. Armetta. And we really hope you''ll agree."


    Mrs. Armetta''s eyebrows raised in interest. "Oh? And what might that be?"