A Fascinating Comeback
1417 Words
Isabel laughed. “Oh, I think you are brilliant. But there is more.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Some of the top designers are watching you again. You being on the runway the other night reminded them of what you used to be.”
Emma’s fingers stopped drumming. “Is that so?”
“Howard Taylor from Bella Amore still has not released a statement,” Isabel said. “Which means he is waiting to see how this unfolds. Other brands are taking notes. Some are calling you a scandal magnet, but let’s be real, controversy sells.”
Emma exhaled slowly. Bella Amore had blacklisted her three years ago, following Davis’ orders. And now, they were hesitant to make a move. That meant she had their attention.
“Keep an eye on them,” Emma instructed. “The industry is full of snakes. I want to see who comes slithering back.”
“Will do,” Isabel said. “Also, small warning, some models are furious because they feel like you are overshadowing them. Especially Amber.”
Emma let out a small laugh. “Of course she is mad. I was the only thing keeping her relevant, and now she is back to being mediocre.”
Amber had been one of the models who benefited the most when Emma stepped away. She had taken over some of Emma’s biggest contracts, but she lacked real talent. And now, with Emma back in the spotlight, her time at the top was running out.
“Amber went on a live interview this morning,” Isabel added. “She called you a washed-up model who is desperate for attention.”
Emma smirked. “She is panicking.”
“That is not all,” Isabel continued. “A few of Sophia’s close friends are defending her, claiming you are just out for revenge.”
Emma leaned back in her chair. “They are right about one thing.”
Isabel chuckled. “I knew you would say that.”
Just as Emma was about to respond, the study door opened, and Aiden walked in. His gaze locked onto her immediately, his expression unreadable.
“Isabel, I will call you back,” Emma said before ending the call. She placed her phone on the desk and looked at Aiden. “Something on your mind?”
Aiden sat on the edge of the desk, crossing his arms. “Davis is getting desperate.”
Emma’s smirk didn’t waver. “I know.”
Aiden studied her for a moment before speaking again. “He reached out to some media houses. Tried to push a different narrative.”
Emma arched an eyebrow. “And?”
Aiden leaned in slightly, his voice smooth. “I had Bryce handle it.”
Emma tilted her head. “You stopped the stories?”
Aiden smirked. “I only stop things that do not entertain me. Right now, I am enjoying this too much.”
Emma chuckled. “So, you are letting him struggle?”
Aiden nodded. “I want to see how far he will fall.”
Emma’s amusement grew. “We have that in common.”
Aiden’s eyes darkened slightly. “But do not get careless. The industry is a battlefield. You need to play smarter than your enemies.”
Emma leaned closer. “Do you doubt my ability?”
Aiden smirked. “Not at all. I just want to see how ruthless you can be.”
Emma held his gaze. “Then watch closely.”
Meanwhile, at a top fashion studio, Amber was fuming.
She tossed a magazine onto the table, glaring at the headline.
“Emma Claire: The Model Who Refuses to Fade Away.”
Amber clenched her fists. “Why is she still relevant?”
Her manager sighed. “Emma has always had that effect. The industry was waiting for a new scandal, and she gave them the perfect storm.”
Amber’s eyes burned with jealousy. “She disappeared for three years. I should be the star right now!”
“Then do something about it,” her manager said bluntly. “You need to remind the world that you are still at the top.”
Amber’s lips curled into a sneer. “Fine. Let’s remind them why Emma Claire should have stayed forgotten.”
She picked up her phone, scrolling through her contacts.
If Emma wanted to play, then so would she.
Back at Aiden’s mansion, Emma was preparing for her next move when her phone buzzed again.
It was Isabel.
“You are not going to like this,” Isabel said the moment Emma answered.
Emma’s expression sharpened. “What happened?”
“Amber is trying to twist the narrative,” Isabel said. “She just did an interview, claiming you only got this much attention because of Aiden Brooks.”
Emma’s eyes darkened. “She really thinks she can use his name to discredit me?”
“That is not all,” Isabel continued. “She also hinted that you married Aiden for power.”
Emma let out a slow breath, her mind already working through the situation.
She would not let Amber or anyone else control the story.
It was time to take back the narrative.
And she knew exactly how to do it.
Aiden glanced up when Emma entered his study, a determined look on her face.
“Amber is trying to use you against me,” Emma said without hesitation.
Aiden smirked. “I heard.”
Emma placed her hands on the desk. “We need to make a statement.”
Aiden leaned back in his chair. “And what do you suggest?”
Emma’s lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.
“We go public.”
Aiden raised an eyebrow. “Elaborate.”
Emma’s eyes gleamed. “A proper public appearance. We let them see that I am more than just your wife. We make sure they know that I am back, and I am here to stay.”
Aiden studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Very well.”
Emma smirked. “Then let’s give them a show they will never forget.”
“Emma Claire is making a mockery of the industry!”
The voice echoed through the studio, sharp and filled with anger. Several models turned their heads as Sophia slammed her tablet onto the vanity table, her face twisted with frustration.
Eden, her assistant, flinched but quickly composed himself. “Miss Leonard, I understand you are upset, but we need to focus. The media is already doubting your comeback.”
Sophia’s eyes burned with fury. “She was supposed to disappear! I took everything from her, and now she is acting like she never left.”
Eden hesitated before speaking. “Emma’s return is making waves. The industry is split. Some people admire her confidence, others think she is just chasing attention.”
Sophia narrowed her eyes. “I do not care what they think. The problem is that they are talking about her more than me.”
Eden glanced at the tablet, where headlines flashed across the screen.
“Emma Claire and Aiden Brooks: Fashion’s New Power Couple?”
“Emma Claire’s Unexpected Comeback. A Threat to the Industry’s Biggest Names?”
Sophia clenched her jaw. “She is using Aiden’s name to get back in the game. I refuse to let her win.”
Eden adjusted his glasses. “Then we need to shift the attention back to you. Maybe a statement?”
Sophia scoffed. “No. That is exactly what she wants. If I acknowledge her, she wins.”
Eden nodded. “Then what is the plan?”
Sophia’s lips curled into a slow smirk. “We remind the industry why I am the top model.”
Eden’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “How do you intend to do that?”
Sophia grabbed her phone and dialed a number.
“It is time for an exclusive cover,” she said, a dangerous glint in her eyes. “Call Bella Amore. I want their next campaign.”
Eden hesitated. “Are you sure? After everything that happened.”
Sophia cut him off. “They still need a face for their brand, and I am the only one who can deliver. If I land this deal, Emma will be nothing more than a passing trend.”
Eden gave a slow nod. “I will make the call.”
Sophia smiled coldly. “Good. Let’s remind Emma who truly runs this industry.”
- Writer
