Only a day after Elena was officially divorced, her ex-husband's wedding invitation had already reached her.

"You're invited to that asshole's wedding?!" Tamara's voice rose as Elena showed her the gold invitation with the engraved names of Damian Lancaster and Isabella Monroe.

Elena just smiled wryly. "Of course. How could I not be invited? That jerk and that bitch want to see me hurt."

Tamara snorted. "So, you're coming?"

Elena nodded. "Yes."

Tamara was wide-eyed. "El, are you crazy?! What for?!"

Elena looked at the invitation coldly. "I wanted to see it for myself. I wanted to see how quickly someone would replace me and remind myself that I'd never be caught in the same stupidity."

Tamara sighed. "Well, then, you should come and show that bastard that you're okay. You need to look more classy."

Elena smiled as she understood what Tamara was saying.

"Alright, then I'll leave Olivia, Katty, and Delya to you."

"Okay!"

***

As night fell, Elena stepped into the ballroom of the luxury hotel with confidence. Her self-designed black satin gown wrapped her body perfectly, revealing the graceful silhouette that had been hidden behind modesty. Her long hair was pulled into a low bun, and her red lips displayed a thin, meaningful smile.

As she took a step further, whispers began to be heard.

"Who's that?"

"Oh my, she looks perfect. So beautiful and elegant."

However, all the compliments were drowned out once Damian and Isabella appeared on the main stage.

Isabella looked flawless in a diamond-white gown, while Damian stood proudly beside her. In his arms, a small baby curled up with a serene face.

"This is the heir to the Lancaster family, David Lancaster Moreno!"

The guests cheered and applauded. The nobles praised Isabella as a very compatible and worthy woman for Damian.

Meanwhile, Elena stood still, feeling something foreign creep into her heart—the envy she hated.

In ten years of marriage, Damian had never brought himself and his children to a big event like this. Olivia, Katty, and Delya were never proudly introduced. They were always hidden away, as if they were not part of the Lancaster family.

But now, Isabella and her baby were on display in front of the world.

Her eyes heated up.

And as Damian gently kissed the baby's forehead, Elena felt like her heart was being squeezed.

All this time, Damian had never done that with their three children.

Damn it.

Elena turned away, not wanting to look any longer. Her tears were about to fall, but she held them back with force.

But damn it, she was in too much of a hurry.

BRUKK!

She bumped into someone.

The glass of red wine that the man was holding spilled, soaking his expensive suit.

Elena looked up, staring at the man.

He had a sharp face with a solid jaw, cold gray eyes, and a tall, intimidating posture.

Nathaniel Drake Sebastian.

Who wouldn't recognize that name?

He was the most powerful man in the capital, the owner of a business empire that could even shake up the royal family if he wanted to.

Nathaniel looked down at his wet suit, then turned to Elena with an incredulous look. "You've gotten my suit wet, Miss!"

Elena gasped, but instead of apologizing, she turned and walked quickly away from the man.

Nathaniel frowned. "What the hell?"

He stared at the woman's retreating back.

"She didn't apologize?" he muttered, incredulous.

Normally, anyone who wronged him would immediately apologize or even offer compensation. But that woman just ran away.

Nathaniel looked down at his dirty suit and chuckled. "Interesting."

Then, his eyes searched again for the woman who had just spilled wine on him.

For the first time, a woman dared to ignore him.

***

Elena stood in front of the toilet mirror, staring at her reflection blankly. Her eyes flushed slightly, and her lips trembled with emotion.

"Stupid," she whispered to herself. "There's no point in crying over that bastard man."

Her hands quickly wiped away the traces of tears on her cheeks. This was no time to look weak. Isabella must be enjoying her suffering out there, and she would not give that woman the satisfaction of seeing her broken.

Taking a deep breath, Elena fixed her makeup. A faint smile appeared on her face—a cold, calculating smile.

"Come on out, Elena. This is no time to give up," she muttered before stepping out with her head held high.

Once back in the ballroom, the atmosphere was still festive. Classical music played softly, guests chatted with glasses of champagne in hand, and in the middle of the crowd, Isabella stood gracefully, as if waiting for someone.

And sure enough, Elena had only stepped a few meters before a sharp voice greeted her.

"Elena, you came too."

Isabella's tone sounded sweet, but there was venom hidden behind it.

Elena smiled faintly. "Of course I came."

Isabella smiled sarcastically. "You really are a brave woman. Coming to your ex-husband's wedding and seeing his happiness married to another woman. Not all women can be that brave, you know?"

Elena just stared at Isabella expressionlessly. "I don't see happiness. I only saw two traitors showing off their affection."

Isabella's face hardened for a moment before she smiled again.

However, Isabella did not stop there. Her eyes swept over Elena's appearance, then she snorted.

"That necklace you're wearing... It's from a legendary designer, isn't it?" Isabella gave her a dismissive look. "Ah, but wait. I doubt you can buy the real thing. It must be a fake, right?"

Some of the guests began to notice their interaction, whispering in the background.

Elena kept smiling, even though in her heart she wanted to shut the woman up.

"Watch your language, Lady Isabella. Clearly, this necklace is real!"

Isabella chuckled, then approached with a sly look.

"Is it? Well then, let's see for ourselves whether your dress is fake too or not," she said before suddenly grabbing Elena's dress, preparing to rip it off.

Elena reflexively backed away, but before Isabella could pull further, a large hand suddenly held her wrist firmly.

"Miss Isabella Monroe, you seem to have gone too far."

The deep, cold voice made Isabella stiffen instantly. She turned her head, and her eyes widened when she saw the man who had just stopped her.

Nathaniel Drake Sebastian.

The room was instantly silent. All eyes were on the man in the black suit, who stood with an intimidating aura.

Elena was also surprised. She didn't think the man she had bumped into earlier would appear here and stop Isabella.

"Tu—Mr. Nathan?" Isabella stammered.

Nathaniel gave her a cold look before removing his hand from her grip. "I don't like women who act childishly in public, especially one who seeks to humiliate others in such a cheap manner."

Isabella swallowed. "I... I was just joking, Mr. Nathaniel."

"Joking?" Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, then looked at Elena, who was still standing still.

Isabella tried to smile, but it was clear that her face was a little pale.

Then, Nathan turned his gaze to Elena.

"And you," he said in a more casual tone, "looks like we haven't finished our business, does it?"

Elena frowned. "Hah?"

Nathaniel smiled slightly, then pointed at his wine-stained suit.

"Ah," Elena finally realized.

Isabella, who was still near them, also saw the stain and chuckled. "So, he made your suit dirty? Mr. Nathan, you should give her some punishment."

Nathaniel did not respond. He kept his eyes on Elena, waiting for an answer.

Elena sighed, then looked at the man. "Alright, I'll change your suit."

Nathaniel looked at her with an interested expression. "Replace it with what? Money?"

Elena chuckled. "I have a designer friend. I can get him to make a new suit for you. Surely, a suit that's better than the one you're wearing, sir!" How dare Elena speak like that.

Nathaniel was silent for a moment, then chuckled.

"I like confident women," he said, holding out his business card.

"Contact me within three days. I'll collect on your promise."

Elena stared at the card before taking it.

Isabella stared at them with her jaw clenched. She did not like this.

Elena looked at Nathaniel calmly. "Fine. I will keep my promise."

Nathaniel nodded. Then he walked away, leaving the party.

Elena looked at the card in her hand, then smiled a little.

"So, he's the most powerful businessman! Oh my..." Elena said to herself.

After returning from the party, Elena sat down at her desk, staring at the blank paper in front of her. Her hand was already gripping the pencil, but her mind drifted towards the man she had just met tonight-Nathaniel Drake Sebastian.

"Did I offend him?" she muttered under her breath.

She didn't apologize when Elena bumped into his at the party, instead She just walked away. The man was definitely not the type to be ignored. Had Nathaniel asked her to make this suit as a form of punishment?

Elena let out a long breath. "Never mind, I just need to keep my promise."

Tamara, who was sitting on the sofa with her laptop on her lap, gave Elena a curious glance. "El, have you figured out what kind of design you want to make?"

Elena tapped her pencil against the table. "I don't know what she likes yet. But I can guess from his style. A man like Nathaniel must like something classic, elegant and high quality."

Tamara nodded in agreement. "He always looks neat. Seems like the type who doesn't like weird experiments in dressing style."

Elena began drawing preliminary lines on her paper. "I'll make something perfect. If he's willing to play with my patience, I'll give him the best suit he's ever had."

Tamara chuckled. "Sounds like a challenge."

Elena grinned. "It is."

***

Three days later, Elena stood in front of Nathaniel's magnificent building. Her hands clutched the box containing the suit she had finished making.

"Why do I feel nervous?" she muttered.

She took a deep breath before going inside. A receptionist greeted her immediately. "Are you Miss Elena?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Nathan is waiting in his office. Please follow me."

Elena followed the woman to the elevator. After a short ride, the elevator doors opened, and she was taken to a spacious room with large windows that showed a panoramic view of the city.

Inside, Nathaniel sat behind a desk, signing some documents.

Without raising his head, he said, "You're just in time. At least you can keep your word."

Elena snorted softly. Her demeanor was still the same-cold and imperious.

"I don't like being in debt," she replied as she placed the suit case on the table.

Nathaniel finally looked at her. His eyes were sharp, as if scrutinizing Elena from head to toe. Then, with a casual gesture, he opened the box and lifted the suit.

His eyes narrowed. He looked carefully at the stitching, the fabric, and the design.

But then, his expression turned flat. "Hmm."

Elena frowned. "Why, you don't like it?"

Nathaniel shrugged. "It's normal."

Elena folded her arms across her chest. "Ordinary?"

Nathaniel put the suit back in the box. "I've seen better."

Elena almost laughed. It was a lie. She knew the suit was perfect. "If you don't like it, you don't have to pay me," she challenged.

Nathaniel stared at her for a moment before smiling wryly. "Who said I'd pay you?"

Elena snorted. "Then why ask me to make it?"

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair. "Just wanted to see if you could fulfill your promise. As a matter of responsibility since you soiled my suit."

Elena could hardly believe it. "All right. So our business is concluded, Mr. Nathan."

Nathaniel didn't answer, just smiled slightly.

Elena looked at him sharply. "You liked the suit, didn't you?"

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. "Who says?"

Elena chuckled. "I know you like it. But you pretended to be dissatisfied, either out of prestige or just to test my patience."

Nathaniel gave a small smile. "Interesting."

Elena chuckled. "I don't have time to play games. If you don't want this suit, I can give it to someone else."

Nathaniel chuckled, then stood up, approaching the table. His hand casually picked up the suit again, then glanced at Elena with a sharp gaze.

"I'll try it on first," he said before stepping into another room.

A few minutes later, Nathaniel came out wearing the suit.

Elena held her breath.

Damn.

The suit looked amazing on his.

Nathaniel looked at himself in the mirror, shrugging as if he wasn't too impressed. "Not bad."

Elena restrained herself from throwing something at him.

"If it's so good, why don't you take it off?" she quipped.

Nathaniel turned around, giving her a long look before finally smiling faintly. "Alright. I'll admit, it's one of the best suits I've ever worn."

Elena smiled with satisfaction. "Finally."

Nathaniel walked back to his desk. "Having said that, I have an offer for you."

Elena looked Nathan carefully. "An offer?"

"I want you to be my personal designer."

Elena paused. It was a big offer-too big.

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair. "I need someone who can make clothes that meet my standards. I'm sure you can do it."

Elena gave his a sharp look. "Why me?"

Nathaniel gave a small smile. "Because you're the only person who dares to talk to me like that."

Elena thought for a moment. This offer was too tempting to refuse, but also risky.

Then, she nodded. "Okay. I accept."

Nathaniel smiled with satisfaction. "A wise decision."

Elena entered her apartment with tired steps, but there was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. She had just returned from Nathan's office after receiving a big offer as his personal designer. It was a great opportunity for her career before she returned to being Queen Elisabeth. .

As soon as the door closed, Tamara, who was sitting on the sofa, turned around.

"Wow, you just got back. So, how was it?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest. "You said that Mr. Nathan made you an offer. Did you accept it?"

Elena placed her bag on the table, then flopped down on the sofa with a deep sigh. "Yes! I accepted his offer."

Tamara stared at her in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're going to work for that guy?"

Elena nodded. "Yes. It's a great opportunity, Tamara. Mr. Nathan is not just another businessman, he has a wide network. If I work with him, my career could take off even faster."

Tamara still looked doubtful. "Are you sure? He's a notoriously cold and calculating man. You don't want to get caught up in his power games."

Elena smiled slightly. "I know the risks. But I'm not a weak woman to be easily bullied."

Tamara sighed. "All right. I trust you. Oh, by the way, I've contacted some of our old partners. Well, let's hope you get a new design project soon, El."

"So what's up? Any news yet?"

Tamara shook her head slowly. "Not yet. It seems that after five years of your disappearance, some partners are still hesitant to work with you. They have doubts about your designs."

Elena sighed deeply, "Alright, no problem. I understand. At least I'm still making designs even if it's only for Mr. Nathan."

Tamara patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. Surely they will give you news and dispel his doubts. You're right, Mr. Nathan has opened a new door for you."

Elena smiled tiredly. "Yes, Tamara."

Before they could continue their conversation, the door to the room suddenly opened, and Elena's three daughters ran out. Olivia, Katty, and Delya approached their mother with excited faces.

"Mommy!" Olivia, the eldest, immediately hugged Elena.

Katty, the middle child, joined in the hug from the side. "Mommy, why did you come home for so long?"

Delya, the youngest, whined while wiping her puffy eyes. "Mommy, I miss Daddy... I want to see Daddy..."

Elena was stunned. The smile on her face instantly faded. She looked at her three daughters with sadness.

"Daddy's busy, honey," Elena said, trying to calm them down.

"But Mommy, why does Daddy have time for his new baby, but not for us?" Olivia asked with disappointed eyes.

Elena felt her heart being squeezed. The question hurt, but she couldn't show her sadness in front of her children. Where did Olivia find out about this? Did Olivia see the news on social media? Or...

"Daddy's probably got a lot of work," she said, trying to make excuses.

Delya cried even more. "But I miss him! I want to hug Daddy..."

Elena rubbed her youngest child's back, trying to contain her own emotions. Tamara, who sat beside her, could only stare with concern.

"Honey, listen to Mommy carefully," Elena said gently. "Daddy still loves you, but things are different now. Mommy will always be there for you."

"But I want Daddy too!" Delya whined louder.

Elena took a deep breath, then looked at Olivia and Katty. "Can you help Mommy calm your sister down?"

Olivia nodded slowly and pulled Delya into her arms. "Delya, let's play for a while. Daddy will definitely meet us when he has time."

Katty coaxed. "Yes, Delya. Don't cry."

Delya was still sobbing, but finally complied and let her sisters calm her down.

Tamara looked at Elena with concern. "El, how long will you continue to let Damian neglect his children?"

Elena shook her head slowly. "I can't force him anymore. If he doesn't want to see his children, I won't beg. I won't grovel anymore for a man like him."

Tamara clenched her fists. "He's an asshole! After what you did for him for ten years, he just threw you away. And now he's even neglecting his children?"

Elena smiled bitterly. "I no longer expect anything from him. I just want to raise my children properly without having to rely on anyone, let alone the man who betrayed me."

Tamara looked at her with admiration. "You're a strong woman, El. But if Damian comes back one day, what will you do?"

Elena looked at her three daughters who were now playing on the floor, then let out a long sigh.

"I will never let him back into my life."