The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

The launch of Azure's latest collection coincided with Fashion Week, creating a buzz that had the entire fashion world on the edge of their seats. Fashion icon Esme was set to unveil her first new works in three years alongside Azure's debut, sending the media into a frenzy! By the time they arrived, the venue was swarmed, inside and out, with media eager for a scoop. Noella, with Elara in tow, breezed past the security line, heading straight backstage.

Elara's eyes sparkled with excitement. “Noella, I heard even your brother and his friends might be here. Do you think we'll get to meet the legendary Azure in person?"

Beckett was there, pondering over Azure's business prospects. Ulrich hoped to personally invite Azure to design a wedding dress for Malvina. Stirling was on pins and needles, waiting to see if he'd be the face of the new campaign. Jasper was present purely because Azure was one of Noella's investments!

"Why are you even here, Stirling? Why not have a word with Noella?" someone teased.

Stirling shook his head, a faint blush on his handsome face from a recent scuffle with Tristan, who had chased him down in a cab just to give him a piece of his mind! "Noella's just the investor. It's Azure who picks the brand ambassadors. She's the soul of the brand," Stirling affirmed.

Jasper nodded in agreement. "Rumor has it, Ms. Esme might actually be Azure. Wouldn't surprise me one bit."

If Esme was indeed Azure, then they knew Noella would have no say over Esme's decisions!

Stirling clenched his fists. "Knowing someone as incredible as Esme already makes Noella amazing in my book."

Ulrich chuckled. "Noella's got more up her sleeve than you know. Just her connections alone span the globe, not to mention her rumored identity as the Phantom Surgeon Lunaris!"

Beckett, adjusting his glasses, said, "Azure sources all its materials from Polaris Star and top-tier brands only. I'm here to help Noella assess their latest product line's market positioning."

Stirling couldn't help but twitch at Beckett's workaholic nature. Backstage, Noella and Kitai were giving the upcoming collection one final check. Esme, draped in a stunning purple gown, stood before a covered garment, her eyes shimmering with joy and anticipation.

Master Hector chuckled. "You've always wanted to see Noella off into marriage, and now you're one step closer."

"Hmph, this is just the engagement. I plan to design for her children's weddings too!"

"Sure, you'll live to be 120, designing dresses for Noella's grandchildren. You'll be the ultimate fairy godmother," Hector teased.

Esme shot him a glare. "Less talk, more action. I'm taking Noella up there with me to unveil the wedding dress."

"And to announce that Noella is my successor, the next shining star!" Hector laughed.

"You just can't wait to pass on your legacy to Noella before her wedding, can you?"

Esme scoffed, “As if you all aren't planning to leave everything to Noella behind the scenes."

1

The old gang, as they were, had thoroughly vetted Palmer, Noella's fiancé, down to his baby pictures and even his mother's prenatal. records. Nothing escaped their scrutiny, all in the name of ensuring the best for Noella.

Kitai pulled back the curtain. "Master Esme, we're up." The show was about to start, with Azure's collection set to be the highlight. The earlier brands were merely a warm-up.

Kitai announced, "This season, Azure is all about first love, a departure from our signature green and mountain motifs. We've ventured into bridal wear, aiming to capture the essence of first love."

The crowd was abuzz with excitement, especially when they learned that Azure and Esme would present the finale piece together.

Jasper clapped. "Could Noella's engagement be the reason Azure's diving into bridal wear?"

Outside, people clamored at the

gates, desperate for a glimpse. The traffic was a nightmare, with roads blocked and GPS painted red with gestion. Myra, having finally arrived on a bike-share, wiped her brow. She'd barely made it with her ticket in hand, due to the traffic.

But then Oriana appeared, blocking Myra's path, her presence immediately darkening Myra's mood.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

"You're blocking my way. Is this your roundabout way of asking for a ride to the police station?"

"Myra, I can explain everything about the past, but today, you have to take me with you!"

Myra was beyond impatient. Just seeing Oriana reminded her of the audacity of the woman-pushing her down the stairs! Now, she had her head wrapped in bandages.

"Out of my way!"

Oriana lowered her voice, "Myra, you

know today's the big reveal of

Azure's latest fashion line, right?

el

What if I told you someone's planning to sabotage Azure's showstopper dress, making your

idofthe laughing stock of the event?"

"This is Azure's debut, with all the media spotlight on him!" Oriana grabbed Myra's arm.

"Myra, you wouldn't want your idol to face such a scandal, right? If you take me with you now, there's still time to stop it!"

Myra was still healing, and after biking for miles to get here, she was no match for Oriana's grip.

"Let go of me! Even if what you're saying is true, I'm not taking you with me!"

Oriana pulled out her phone, showing Myra a video. "This is the custom fabric ordered by Azure. Someone's tampered with it, and today, an imposter is planning to pose as Azure!"

"How do you know all this?"

Oriana gave a mysterious smile. "Because I know who the real Master Azure is!"