The Queen's Back

Chapter 52

As she stepped through the doors, she immediately spotted Maxwell waiting for her.

The ride to The Designscape was tense, with worry clouding Mona's eyes. The old saying "when it rains, it pours" echoed in her mind, feeling painfully true in that moment.

Watching the city blur past the window, Mona found herself grappling with a growing suspicion. The more she thought about it, the less she believed that the fire at The Designscape was a mere accident. Maxwell gently placed his hand over Mona's. "Don't worry," he said softly. "Whatever happens, we'll get through it."

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Mona instinctively leaned her Head on Maxwell's shoulder. She needed support now more than ever.

Maxwell's hand moved to her back, offering comforting pats. From the front seat, Nigel observed the couple, realizing their relationship was far from the loveless arrangement others believed it to be.

When they arrived, The Designscape was still smoldering, the scene chaotic with police presence. Mona's heart sank. It felt like everything was lost.

Elara rushed to Mona, desperation in her voice, "Mona, you're finally here. Our dresses are gone. What are we going to do?"

Mona knew she couldn't afford to panic. She needed to stay calm, especially with Maxwell by her side, lending her strength. Taking a deep breath, she said with forced composure, "Let's not jump to conclusions. We should hear what the police have to say first." As she surveyed the damage, a strange sense of relief washed over her. It could have been so much worse. The fire had been contained to their floor; the entire building could have gone up in flames. And most importantly, no one had been hurt. Before long, the police had determined the cause of the fire. A burning candle had tipped over onto some fabric, igniting the blaze.

Upon hearing the police report, Elara felt a wave of crushing guilt wash over her. The candle that had caused the fire was hers, brought to create a soft, ambient light she loved working in. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it would lead to such devastation. Elara turned to Mona and Vespera, her voice trembling with remorse. "I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I never imagined the candle could cause a fire."

On the way to the studio, Mona had suspected foul play. But seeing Elara's genuine distress changed her mind. Over the past few weeks, she had come to know Elara as a sincere, if somewhat naive, person. There was no way she could have done this intentionally. As Mona and Vespera remained silent, Elara's guilt intensified. She wished she had never brought the candle, though she couldn't fathom how it had ignited the dresses. "I know it's my fault," she said, her fingers intertwined tightly. "I'll do anything to make it right." Vespera's cold voice cut through the air. "What's the use of saying this now? It's too late. We have to admit defeat."

repeated, at a loss for words. Her hands were clasped

own heart. Looking into Elara's tear-filled eyes, she said, "Don't be sad. Dry your tears. We still

was the only solution she could think

we can definitely succeed!" Elara

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Chapter 52

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for the next seven days, even if it meant sacrificing sleep and

board, Vespera nodded her

fire damage wasn't as severe as she'd feared. Most of the fabric was

ashes of their previous work, a new sense of purpose began to emerge. This setback, while devastating, had ignited a fire of determination in each of them. They had one week

reasons unknown, the lotus silk Mona desperately needed was suddenly out of stock everywhere. Just days ago, it had been

shop owner, seeing Mona's urgency, suggested she try her luck at a

the essence; even after acquiring the

elderly man answered her knock, informing her that while they did have lotus silk, the person in charge was en route and he

Mona replied with a forced smile. As she settled in, she messaged Maxwell about her

about fifteen minutes, a figure appeared at the door. To Mona's dismay, it

immediately regretted not checking her horoscope that morning; the