Chapter 12: Standing Together
439 Words
The cheerful atmosphere in the design studio disappeared.
Everyone stared at Emmanuel in shock.
"What do you mean the company is going bankrupt?" Daniel asked.
Emmanuel sighed heavily.
"Our biggest investor has withdrawn all funding. Without that money, several projects have been suspended. If we can't find a solution within a month, Clatford Fashion House may have to close."
Mrs. Clatford looked at her son with concern.
"You've been carrying this burden alone?"
"I didn't want anyone to worry," Emmanuel replied.
Cinta watched him quietly. The confident man who always encouraged her now looked exhausted.
She stepped closer.
"We'll find a way."
Emmanuel smiled faintly.
"It's not that simple. Hundreds of employees depend on this company. If we fail, they'll lose their jobs."
That night, Cinta couldn't sleep.
She kept thinking about everything Emmanuel had done for her—believing in her talent, paying her father's hospital bills, and giving her a chance when no one else would.
Now it was her turn to help him.
The next morning, she walked into Emmanuel's office carrying a sketchbook.
"I have an idea."
He looked up.
"What is it?"
She opened the sketchbook, revealing a stunning collection of modern designs inspired by African culture, elegant tailoring, and contemporary fashion.
"We should launch a new collection," she said. "Something unique that no one has seen before."
Emmanuel studied the sketches carefully.
"They're beautiful."
"We'll call it the Destiny Collection," Cinta continued. "Every design will represent hope, courage, and the strength to follow your dreams."
Daniel, who had been listening from the doorway, smiled.
"If we market this collection well, it could bring the company back into the spotlight."
For the first time since the bad news, Emmanuel's eyes sparkled with hope.
"It might actually work."
Just then, the office phone rang.
Daniel answered it before his expression changed.
"Sir... there's someone here to see you."
"Who is it?"
Daniel swallowed hard.
"He says he's from Royal Crown Fashion Group."
Emmanuel frowned.
"They're our biggest competitors."
A tall man in an expensive navy-blue suit walked into the office.
"My name is Victor Kane," he said confidently. "I'm here with a business proposal."
He placed a file on Emmanuel's desk.
"I'll buy Clatford Fashion House."
Silence filled the room.
"And if you refuse," Victor continued with a cold smile, "I'll make sure your company disappears completely."
Cinta looked at Emmanuel, her heart pounding.
The battle for their dreams had only just begun.
End of Chapter 12
Cliffhanger: Who is Victor Kane, and why is he so determined to take over Clatford Fashion House? Can Emmanuel and Cinta save the company before it's too late?
- Writer
