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."

Tamara gently rubbed Elena's shoulder. "Good decision, El. You don't need a man like Damian in your life. You can stand on your own two feet, and I'm here for you."

Elena smiled slightly. "Thank you, Tam. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."

Tamara chuckled softly. "Of course. How about we go out to eat? My treat. I'm sure you and the kids need a little entertainment."

Olivia, Katty, and Delya cheered happily. "Go out to eat? Yay!"

Elena smiled at their excitement. "Alright, but don’t order too much."

Tamara gave her a sharp look. "Forget it, El. Let me spoil you once in a while!"

With a slightly lighter heart, they went to a famous family restaurant in the city. The restaurant wasn’t too fancy, but it was comfortable and the food was delicious.

As soon as they entered, the waiter greeted them warmly and led them to an empty table in the corner.

"Olivia, Katty, Delya, what would you like to eat?" Tamara asked Elena’s children.

"I want pasta!" Olivia exclaimed.

"I want steak!" Katty said.

Delya raised her small hand. "I want fries and chicken nuggets!"

Tamara laughed. "Alright, I’ll take your orders. Elena, what about you?"

Elena smiled. "I’ll just have a salad and juice."

Tamara shook her head. "Really? You need to eat more, El. I’ve already ordered extra for you."

Elena shrugged, letting Tamara prepare everything.

However, as they began to enjoy their meal, Olivia, who was sitting facing the door, suddenly stiffened.

"Mom..."

Elena turned her head. "What’s wrong, dear?"

Olivia didn’t answer, just stared at the door with an expression that was hard to understand.

Elena followed her daughter’s gaze and her body immediately stiffened.

Near the entrance, Damian and Isabella had just entered the restaurant.

Elena exhaled deeply, trying to stay calm. She didn’t want their presence to ruin her day.

But before Elena could do anything, Delya had already run from her seat.

"Daddy!"

Elena was startled.

"Delya, wait!"

But it was too late. Little Delya ran innocently toward Damian. Olivia and Katty also ran after their younger sister.

Isabella, who was talking to the waiter, was startled to see the three girls coming toward them.

Damian turned with a cold expression.

"Daddy!" Delya hugged Damian’s legs tightly. "I miss you, Daddy!"

Damian looked at the child with an expression that was hard to read. Then, in a sharp voice, he said, "I’m not your father."

Olivia and Katty froze in place.

Little Delya didn’t understand. She hugged Damian’s legs even tighter. "But Daddy... I love you..."

Damian sighed, then roughly pulled Delya off his legs and pushed her body to the floor.

Delya’s tears immediately broke free.

The restaurant suddenly fell silent.

Olivia and Katty ran over to Delya, helping her up while she cried in fear.

Elena, who had witnessed everything, stood up immediately, her hands clenched.

Tamara also stood up, her face filled with anger. "El, don’t—"

But it was too late.

With quick steps, Elena approached Damian and, without hesitation—

SMACK!!!

A hard slap landed on Damian’s cheek.

The entire restaurant fell silent.

Isabella’s eyes widened. "Elena! Are you crazy?"

Damian slowly turned his head, his eyes filled with anger. "How dare you slap me?"

Elena glared at him with fiery eyes. "You pushed your own child!"

Damian snorted. "Those three girls aren’t my children."

Elena’s anger reached its peak. "Olivia, Katty, and Delya are your flesh and blood! How can you deny them in public like this?"

Damian stepped closer, glaring at Elena. "I only acknowledge my heirs. They mean nothing to me."

Elena clenched her fists. "You’re truly a heartless man, Damian."

Delya was still crying in Olivia’s arms. Katty looked at her father with wounded eyes.

Tamara finally spoke up. "Damn it, Damian! You’re the most despicable man I’ve ever known!"

Isabella chuckled. "Forget it, Elena. Damian has chosen his new life. You’re foolish to still expect anything from him."

Elena glared at Isabella with hatred. "I don’t expect anything. But I will never let this man hurt my children again!"

Damian leaned closer to Elena, his voice low and cold. "You don’t have the strength to defy me, Elena."

Elena smiled coldly. "You’ll see, Damian. I’ll prove that I can stand on my own without your help."

Without waiting any longer, Elena turned, picked up Delya, and took her two other daughters by the hand.

Tamara followed them, but before leaving, she shot Damian a hateful glance. "You’ll regret this for the rest of your life, Damian."