The three girls laughed. Not far away, Sophie watched them.
She leaned slightly toward Olivia and spoke in a low voice.
"Isn't she just the CEO of a small company? What's the big fuss about? Anyone can become a CEO if you have your father's money backing you"
Sophie didn't realize how clearly her words had carried across the store.
The laughter stopped and silence fell. Everyone nearby turned toward her. Some looked shocked, others looked offended by the way she had spoken about Anne.
A few employees exchanged uncomfortable glances and began whispering among themselves.
Olivia's face immediately became awkward. She could feel people looking at her. Some of them seemed to assume that Sophie had spoken because of Olivia. Olivia forced a small smile, wishing she could disappear from the situation.
Sophie, however, didn't seem to understand what she had just caused.
Clara's expression slowly changed. The warmth disappeared from her face. She looked directly at Sophie. For the first time since Anne had entered the store, the atmosphere became tense again.
"Angel isn't a small company."
Her voice was calm, but there was a firmness behind it.
Sophie looked at her "I was only stating my opinion."
Clara gave her a faint smile "And you're entitled to your opinion. But there's a difference between having an opinion and speaking without knowing the facts."
Sophie frowned.
Clara continued "Anne built Angel herself without anyone's help or money. She started with her own designs and slowly turned them into a successful fashion brand. The company now has stores, private collections, and clients from all over the country."
Rose nodded enthusiastically "Exactly! That's what I was trying to tell you. Anne is incredibly famous in the fashion industry."
Jenny smiled "She's not just a CEO. She's a designer too. I've seen some of her collections online. They're amazing."
Sophie remained silent. She clearly hadn't expected such a reaction.
Clara crossed her arms "And for your information, Angel isn't successful because Anne inherited it from someone. She built it herself."
Olivia's expression changed slightly. She looked toward the private office where Anne had disappeared. She had known that Anne owned Angel. But she had never really thought about what that meant.
Anne had built an entire company that too a successful one and apparently, she had done it herself.
Olivia lowered her eyes.
How much don't I know about her?
Sophie noticed the attention everyone was giving her and became defensive.
"I didn't mean anything serious. I simply said that I don't understand why everyone is making such a big deal about her."
Clara's expression remained calm "Because she's earned it."
There was silence. Clara then looked away from Sophie and toward her friends "Anyway, let's not waste our time arguing."
Rose nodded quickly "You're right these people don't seem to understand her value or anything about fashion"
She then leaned closer to Clara and whispered excitedly, "But you really have to introduce us to her."
Clara laughed "I already told you that I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Jenny smiled "You're so lucky. If Anne is really your best friend, you have no idea how jealous we are."
Clara rolled her eyes playfully "She's more than just a famous designer to me. She's my best friend."
Olivia listened quietly. Something about those words bothered her.
My best friend.
Clara had said it so naturally and there was no hesitation.
No doubt. Anne trusted Clara enough to design a gown for her personally and give her something she had once dreamed of wearing herself.
Olivia looked down at her own dress. She had come to the store wanting something special. Instead, she had discovered that Anne's world already had people who occupied places she could never easily enter.
Madison noticed Olivia's silence "Olivia, are you all right?"
Olivia immediately smiled "Yes, Aunt Madison. I'm fine."
She turned toward Madison "I'm just a little tired."
Eva watched Olivia carefully. She didn't believe her. There was something different in Olivia's expression. Something she couldn't quite understand.
"Sophie, it would be better if you thought before you spoke. My daughter has built everything she has on her own, without our help. She has achieved all of this through her own hard work, so think before you make comments about my daughter," Madison said, turning toward Sophie, clearly pissed at her.
Sophie didn't say anything. She remained quiet, feeling a little ashamed.
***
Meanwhile, behind the closed doors of the private office, Anne sat at her desk. A few reports were spread in front of her.
She picked up the first file and began reading.
Secretary Megan placed the tablet beside her "These are the latest reports from the new collection, Miss Anne."
Anne nodded "Thank you."
She opened the file and began reviewing the numbers.
For several minutes, she remained completely focused on her work.
Then her phone vibrated. Anne glanced at the screen. A message had arrived.
Her expression changed slightly when she read it. It was from an unknown number.
We need to talk. It's about what happened three years ago.
Anne stared at the message. For the first time since entering the store, the calm expression on her face disappeared. She read it again. Then another message appeared.
Don't trust everyone around you.
Anne's fingers tightened slightly around her phone. She looked toward the closed office door. Outside, she could hear the faint voices of the people in the store.
Her mother.
Eva.
Sophie.
Olivia.
Clara.
Anne slowly looked back at the message. Whoever had sent it knew about the past. And more importantly... They knew something she didn't. She immediately typed a reply.
Who are you?
She pressed send. For several seconds, there was no response. Then the phone vibrated again. Anne looked down.
Someone who knows what really happened to you.
Anne's eyes hardened. Three years ago. The accident. The memories she had tried not to revisit, her hand slowly tightened around the phone.
Outside the office, Clara was still laughing with Rose and Jenny, completely unaware of what had just happened.