THREAD OF FATE

Chapter 24

THREAD OF FATE

CHAPTER 24

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Liza's cozy bedroom, casting a warm glow over her workspace. She sat hunched over her desk, her fingers flying across the fabric as she worked tirelessly on her new design. Her father, a kind-faced man with a gentle smile, entered her room, his eyes scanning the space with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Good morning, Dad," Liza said, looking up from her work with a bright smile.

"Good morning, my baby," her father replied, his voice warm and affectionate. "Aren't you going to work today?"

Liza shook her head, her expression turning serious. "I need to work on this design, Dad. I have to finish it by tomorrow. The fashion show is on Friday."

Her father's brow furrowed in surprise. "But I thought you were already done with it?"

Liza's eyes clouded over, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was, Dad. But something happened. My designs were stolen by my manager at work. I don't know how, but I'm very sure she stole my work."

Her father's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "How could she steal your work? I saw you working on those designs tirelessly. I'll go to your office and let them know how you work on those designs tirelessly.

"Dad, don't worry. I can handle it. You don't have to go to my workplace. Yesterday, we presented the same designs, which was confusing to everyone at the presentation table. I was told to work on new ones. After we're done with the fashion show, they'll come back to address the issue. I'm confident that everything will come to light."

Her father's expression softened, his eyes filled with pride and trust. "I trust you, my daughter. I know you'll never do anything shameful. And I'm sure you'll overcome this."

He pulled Liza into a warm hug, holding her close for a moment before releasing her. "I've taken up too much of your time. Let me allow you to continue working. I'll be going to work soon."

As her father left the room, Liza let out a sigh and returned to her work. Hours passed, the silence broken only by the sound of her fingers moving across the fabric.

Just as she was getting into a rhythm, a knock at the door broke the silence. Liza's head jerked up, her eyes scanning the room before she rose to answer the door.

She pulled it open to reveal Helena, her friend's bright smile a welcome sight. "Hey, girl!" Helena exclaimed, sweeping Liza into a warm hug.

At Williams Fashion, Sonia entered the office, her eyes scanning the room for Liza. But Liza was nowhere to be found. Sonia's brow furrowed in concern as she approached the other staff members.

"Where's Liza?" Sonia asked, trying to sound casual. "Has she not come in this morning?"

The staff members exchanged uneasy glances before one of them spoke up. "We haven't seen her, Sonia."

Sonia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. Had Liza given up already? Was she running away from the issues at hand?

Sonia's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her own voice. "I'll go ask Tylor if he knows anything."

She headed to Tylor's office, a sense of trepidation building in her chest. What would Tylor say?

As she entered Tylor's office, Sonia's eyes met his, her smile bright and false. "Good morning, Tylor."

Tylor's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Good morning, Sonia. How are you doing this morning?"

Sonia's voice was light and airy. "I'm doing fine, thanks. I just came in to ask if you've seen Liza. She's not in the office, and I was wondering if she's resigned already."

Tylor's expression turned surprised. "Why would she resign? Liza didn't steal your designs, Sonia."

Sonia's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I just thought maybe she was feeling overwhelmed."

Tylor's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Liza didn't resign, Sonia. I told her to stay home and work on the new designs. She needs to focus."

Sonia's face fell, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, okay. No problem. I'll leave you to work."

Tylor's voice stopped her. "Sonia, I hope the issue on ground is not what I'm thinking. Don't make me have another thought about you."

Sonia's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "What do you mean, Tylor? Of course, I wouldn't do anything to hurt you or the company."

Tylor's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "I hope not, Sonia. We've been friends for a long time, and I value our friendship. But if I find out that you're involved in this...it will be a problem."

Sonia's face paled, but she quickly recovered. "I understand, Tylor. I'll talk to you later."

Back at Liza home, Helena entered Liza's room, with a look of concern on her face. "Liza, I'm so sorry about what happened to you. That your manager is definitely a thief.

Liza's eyes clouded over, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know, Helena. I'm still trying to process everything. But I'm not going to let her get away with it."

Helena's face set in a determined expression. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Liza. I'm here for you, and we'll overcome this together."

As the two friends hugged, Tylor's phone call interrupted them. "Good afternoon, Liza," Tylor said, his voice warm and friendly.

Liza's heart skipped a beat as she replied, "Good afternoon, Tylor."

Tylor's voice was filled with concern. "How's the work going? Do you need any help?" Liza's smile was genuine. "It's going fine, Tylor. My friend Helena is here to assist me. But thank you for offering."

Tylor's voice was warm. "You're welcome, Liza. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I'll be glad to help. Make sure you take some rest while working, okay?"

Liza's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Tylor. I will."

As they ended the call, Helena looked at Liza with a curious expression. "That's your charming boss, right?"

Liza's smile was sheepish. "Yes, that's him. He's been really helpful since yesterday. I don't know what I would have done without him."

Helena's eyes sparkled with amusement. "That's so sweet of him. I think he might have a crush on you, Liza."

Liza's face flushed, but she quickly denied it. "No way, Helena. He's just being kind."