Linda sat across from Colton, her expression poised and confident, though there was an eager light in her


    eyes.


    She had dressed carefully for this meeting, wearing a tailored ivory blouse and a skirt that subtly showcased her own design aesthetic-sophisticated, yet modern.


    She knew this was her chance to impress him, to gain his recognition, and she wasn''t about to waste it. "I''ve always admired your work, Mr. Colton," Linda began smoothly, her voiceced with admiration. "Your influence on contemporary fashion is undeniable. I''ve been following your collections since I started my own brand, and I must say, your vision is unparalleled.


    Colton listened, his face unreadable.


    He appreciated talent, but he also valued sincerity and depth.


    Compliments were expected, but they rarely impressed him.


    "That''s ttering," he said, setting down his wine ss.


    "But admiration doesn''t equate to understanding. Fashion isn''t just about designing beautiful pieces; it''s about interpreting the world through fabric, anticipating movement, understanding culture."


    Linda nodded, determined not to let his detached demeanor shake her.


    "I understand thatpletely," she insisted, reaching into her bag and pulling out a sleek portfolio.


    Sheid it open on the table, revealing sketches and photographs of hertest designs.


    "These are from my most recent collection. I focused on a fusion of vintage silhouettes with modern, eco- conscious materials. The response has been overwhelmingly positive."


    Colton nced at the designs, his keen eyes scanning the details.


    They were good-polished, well-constructed, andmercially viable.


    But that wasn''t enough. He closed the portfolio gently and met her gaze. "You have talent, Linda. No


    doubt about that. But talent without depth is just a surface level trick."


    Linda''s confident smile faltered for the first time. "What do you mean?"


    "Youck sensitivity," Colton exined. "Your designs show skill, but they don''t speak. Fashion is a After Hof, Alpha


    Linda swallowed, her mind racing.


    She had poured her energy into her work, buttely, she had been bncing multiple things-her


    rtionship,unching her brand,working. Had she been spreading herself too thin?


    Colton stood, signaling the end of their meeting. "Settle down in the industry first. Find your voice. Maybe then, we can have this conversation again." He ced a few bills on the table and nodded at her. "Good luck, Linda."


    With that, he walked out, leaving her staring after him.


    Disappointment settled in her chest, but she quickly brushed it aside.


    This wasn''t a critique of her talent.


    No, It was a reminder that she had been prioritizing the wrong things. She had to focus-really focus. Arnold, who had been sitting nearby, approached her once Colton was gone. "Don''t take it too hard," he said calmly. "Colton is... selective. But, if I get another chance, I''ll see if I can set up another meeting for you."


    Linda sighed, then gave him a wry smile. Thanks, Arnold. I appreciate it."


    "It''s nothing." Arnold said, "I''ve known Colton for a while, he''s very picky and has very strict standards for epting students.....''


    Here he suddenly paused.


    Linda was puzzled, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Arnold shook his head.


    He had only just thought of Nora.


    He knew that Nora had oncee close to bing a student of Colton''s, only for her to voluntarily


    pass up the opportunity, choosing to focus on her family, but that probably meant... She was really good


    at


    one time.


    At thepany, Nora and Leo sat across from each other, enjoying a quiet dinner. Neither noticed Colton enter until Leo''s eyes flickered toward the doorway. "Back so soon?" he asked.


    Colton slid into a chair, looking utterly unimpressed. "Linda''s level is okay," he said bluntly. "For someone her age, she''s doing fine. But in actual skill? She doesn''t evene close to Nora."


    12:16


    Nora, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly choked. "Excuse me?"


    Colton raised an eyebrow. "I''m just stating facts."


    Nora felt her cheeks heat up and she almost blushed. "That''s kind of you.


    Leoughed. "Well, at least you know where you stand."


    Before the conversation could continue, Nora''s phone rang. It was Cole. She answered, pressing the device to her car. "What''s up?"


    "The coboration with Alexander has been finalized."


    Nora frowned slightly. She didn''t fully trust Cole''s business dealings, so she decided to confirm for herself. "Give me a second.


    She quickly dialed her uncle, Alexander. When he answered, his tone was warm. "Nora! What a pleasant surprise.