The Queen's Back

Early the next morning, the morning sunlight cast a golden hue over Nathontown, bringing a warm glow that lifted everyone's spirits.

At the Design Department, Clem Group, a woman with chestnut waves cascading to her lower back, wearing sunglasses that highlight her rosy lips and delicate chin, walked in. She wore a white strap top, a red blazer over it, and her long legs were elegantly crossed. Her eyes scanned everyone in the Design Department.

This woman was the big star, Artemis Rain.

"Artemis, Ms. Clem hasn't even finished the dress yet. Why not just go with Miss Burton's design?" Artemis's assistant, Nicole Sanchez, suggested.

She had filled Artemis in on the online drarna, and she couldn't understand why Artemis felt the need to come to the Design Department. It seemed like a wasted trip.

"I know, but I want to see Mona, Artemis replied coolly. She had been particularly fond of the design for the dress Mona created. It felt familiar as if it had been custom-made for her. It was the reason Artemis was willing to give Mona a chance, and with everything that had happened, she was feeling uneasy about it.

"Fine." Nicole relented. But time was ticking, and Mona still hadn't shown up. Nicole thought, 'Has she been so affected that she has given up and decided not to come to work?'

"Artemis, why not take a look at the dress designed by Barbara in the meantime?" Leander suggested, eager to finalize the decision. If there were any issues, they could be fixed since there was still time.

Artemis nodded casually. She wasn't particularly impressed with Barbara's design. It was conventional, and while it wouldn't, embarrass her, it also didn't stand out.

Seeing Artemis nod, Leander signaled for Barbara to bring out the dress.

The dress was white and short, featuring floral embroidery at the neckline and a skirt adorned with tiny sparkling diamonds that shimmered under the lights. As it came into view, everyone in the Design Department was mesmerized. The design sketches had looked great, but the finished product was even more stunning. Nicole had seen plenty of beautiful dresses with Artemis, but this was her favorite.

However, neither Artemis nor Elara showed any signs of awe. Artemis felt the style was too familiar, having worn similar dresses too many times, while Elara compared it to Mona's design, which was simple yet elegant. Barbara's dress, adorned with too many diamonds, seemed a bit gaudy in comparison.

The people in the Design Department began murmuring among themselves.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"This dress designed by Barbara is stunning. It makes you feel like a fairy."

"Yeah. If Mona's dress were here, I bet Barbara's would still be the winner. Her designs are pretty but just too plain."

"True! Barbara's design is exceptional. After this, she'll probably get a promotion."

"Absolutely! Just look at how high her design talent is compared to everyone else. She's won so many awards during her college days. So inspiring!"

The praises drifted into Artemis's ears, and it seemed the public favored her in this type of dress. Just as she was about to suggest going with Barbara's design, someone walked into the Design Department.

She walked gracefully, seemingly gliding, a smile playing on her lips, Dressed in a sleek black suit, she appeared particularly

competent. As the person approached. Artemis recognized her. It was Mona. Artemis had seen her in photos before.

"Wait, my dress hasn't been showcased yet, Mona said to Artemis, a smile lighting up her face.

"Mona, wasn't your dress destroyed by Vespera yesterday?" Leander replied, skeptical. He worried that Mona might not be able to handle the blow and would end up presenting the ruined dress, which would be embarrassing for the Design Department. People exchanged whispers, all staring at Mona. They wondered if she could really conjure up another dress.

Barbara also looked at Mona with mockery in her eyes. Had she not known the backstory, she might have believed Mona could present another dress. But she had made a deal with Vespera. The dress had indeed been ruined, and Barbara was curious to see what Mona could come up with

Elara looked at Mona, her eyes sparkling with trust. She remembered what Mona had said about there being a surprise today and couldn't help but be eager to find out what it was.

Under all those scrutinizing gazes, Mona nodded slightly. "Yes, Yespera did ruin the dress."

She paused before adding with a sly smile, "But she cut the spare one. The real one is at my house. I actually brought it with me today."

After saying this, Mona clapped her hands, and someone brought the dress in.

The moment everyone laid their eyes on the gown, they were utterly captivated. Artemis, in particular, removed her sunglasses to take a closer look at the dress. Her hand instinctively reached out to touch it, but she quickly pulled back her gaze, as if afraid to ruin it. The long dress was a striking red, with an irregular hem. It featured blossom embroidery, which sparked imagination.

Mona's design was simple yet extravagant, and when compared to Barbara's creation, it stood out as more vibrant and original.

People noticed the admiration in Artemis's eyes and followed her gaze to see the blossom embroidery on the hem, as if every step she took was accompanied by blooming flowers.

"Can I try it on?" Artemis asked, her eyes brimming sketches, making her reluctant to let it go.

Mona nodded. "Of course! This is made just for you."

with excitement. The actual dress was even more beautiful than the

Inside, Mona felt a surge of happiness. Seeing Artemis love her design filled her with pride, and a wave of joy enveloped her.

Elara stared at the dress, stunned. It looked exactly like the one Vespera had destroyed yesterday. Her heart raced in disbelief. This was the surprise Mona had mentioned. She couldn't believe Mona had prepared this all along, and tears of joy nearly welled up in her eyes.

As Artemis headed to the fitting room, the crowd looked at Mona with envy. From Artemis's expressions and actions, it was clear she had made her choice, Mona's design.

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