Chasing my Runaway Ex-Wife

14: My Half-Sister Was Dumbfounded

Lavender's POV

The next morning, I had to prepare really early since I had another appointment with August. As I stepped out of the car in front of Stanford Fashion House, I just heaved a deep sigh.

The last time that I was here was when I was still his beloved wife. But not anymore. Not even in his dreams.

I was dressed in a black jumpsuit cinched at the waist with a gold belt. Today's schedule had us finalizing every costume before Serpent Heads' music video shoot tomorrow. August and I agreed last night to meet at his office first to inspect everything.

When I started walking at the entrance. I saw Dee standing in front of the building, already waiting like the responsible assistant she was. She smiled when she saw me.

“You're early, Dee,” I told her as I approached.

“You know me, Miss,” she replied with a shrug. “Just making sure everything runs smoothly for the big day tomorrow.”

I faintly smiled at her. “Let’s go then.”

We entered the towering building of Stanford Fashion House. The lobby of the building stayed the same when I last visited it a few years ago.

I halted from walking when I saw Kitty, August's long-time secretary, greeting us with her usual efficiency. “Mr. Stanford is expecting you. This way, Miss Greene.”

I simply nodded as she led us up to the executive floor. The familiar hallway leading to August's office didn't faze me anymore.

Whatever sentimental thread it once held had long been cut.

The double doors opened and I immediately saw August Stanford, standing near his desk, dressed in a gray suit.

“Miss Lavender," he commenced with a half-smile.

“Mr. Stanford," I replied coolly. “Let's get to work early.”

He chuckled. “Straight to business. You've really changed, Lavender. Used to be a little softer around the edges."

I gave a faint smirk. “And you used to talk less. Come on, show me what we've got."

He led us out of his office, down the corridor, and into one of the largest halls in the building. The Design Wing. The space had been transformed into a workspace buzzing with activity.

Designers, assistants, and stylists hurried back and forth, pins between their lips and clipboards in their hands.

When I skimmed the whole area, I spotted Joseph and Draco at the center.

“Lavender, darling!” Joseph called out, waving at me. “You're just in time. We're finalizing the main pieces."

“Good," I replied, moving toward them with August beside me. “Walk me through everything, Joseph.”

Draco gestured to the mannequins lined up. “These are for the band. Each piece reflects the fusion of cyberpunk and grunge we discussed. Distressed textures, metallic harnesses, layered fabric, neon threading..."

Joseph stepped in. “We've built in flexibility and airflow. Their choreography won't suffer.”

August folded his arms while surveying the outfits. “We're still tweaking Kade's jacket. He wants it to light up in sync with the beat drop in the second chorus."

I nodded. “Make it happen. And what about the extras? The dancers, the models?"

Without a word, August turned and led me to the other side of the room. The atmosphere shifted here. It was more chaotic, with more fabric swatches flying around, and more people taking measurements.

"This is where the supporting wardrobe's being handled," August explained. "Still grunge-punk inspired but toned down so the main pieces stand out."

I walked through the rows, inspecting each outfit. Some were nearly perfect. Others needed tweaks.

"That crop jacket needs to be a shade darker," I said, pointing to one. "And that chain harness is too bulky—scale it down or remove it completely."

"Got it, dear," Draco said from behind, scribbling into his notes.

After a few moments, just as I was adjusting a collar on a mannequin, a door creaked open and a familiar figure stepped in.

I didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.

"August, baby!" It came to the high-pitched voice I always memorized.

I turned slowly, lips set in a neutral line. Lily Graystone, my charming half-sister, dressed in a painfully tight white dress and stilettos, with her hair cascading in perfectly staged waves.

She didn't hesitate and walked straight to August and kissed him on the cheek, her gloss leaving a faint print on his skin.

August looked mildly surprised but didn't move away.

“Morning, love," she purred. Then, she turned to me. “Oh, Lavender. Imagine running into you here."

I matched her grin. “Imagine that."

Her eyes swept over me from head to toe. “It's surprising, really. You, becoming CEO. I thought... wasn't there a rumor that you flirted your way to the top?"

The entire room was silent. The designers pretended to busy themselves. Dee, who was beside me, clenched her tablet just a little tighter.

I didn't flinch. Instead, I just smiled at her.

“Well," I uttered sweetly. “Considering the previous CEO was my father, I didn't have to flirt with anyone. But maybe you shouldn't go around assuming everyone plays the games you do, Lily. Not all of us are experts in the art of sleeping upward."

Her smile faded after a few seconds and just glared at me.

I stepped forward, brushing invisible dust from my blazer. “If you'll excuse me, I still have actual work to do."

Lily stood there, momentarily speechless, before flipping her hair. “I'll be in your office, love. I’ll wait for you there,” she said coolly, before turning and walking away.

I didn't even watch her leave. I simply turned back to Joseph and Draco, who were trying hard not to smirk.

“So, where are we now, Mr. Stanford?” I asked and flashed a sweet smile on my face.

August exhaled beside me and faintly cleared his throat. “Well, if everything here is approved by you, then we can proceed to the signing of the papers for them to prepare all the outfits for the shoot tomorrow.”

“Alright, let’s do it since I still have a lot of appointments today,” I replied and walked toward the door.