The Designer's Game
698 Words
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CHAPTER FIVE – “The Designer’s Game”
The day after the shoot launch was quieter—but only on the surface.
In Royal’s private office at Kingsley Empire, sunlight poured through the tall glass windows. Ruby sat at the table near the large sketchboard, adjusting a fabric sample and noting final adjustments for the production line.
She looked flawless, dressed in a sleek navy-blue pantsuit, her hair flowing in loose curls. She didn’t speak to Royal. Not directly. Only when she had to—and only about business.
Royal watched her from his desk.
Focused. Fierce. Frustrating.
The memory of yesterday’s tension at the launch, especially with Vanessa, lingered like smoke. He knew he’d made a mistake taking Vanessa’s side. But pride kept his mouth shut.
“Chloe,” Ruby called calmly.
Her assistant popped in. “Yes, Queen?”
“Send the final dress sample to The Aster Agency. Let them know we’ll do a second launch next weekend. And prep a media kit.”
“On it.”
Royal finally stood. “You’re planning another event?”
Ruby didn’t even look up. “Yes. A women-led branding campaign. You can read the report later.”
His jaw tightened. “We’re still in a contract marriage. It would be respectful to consult—”
Ruby finally looked up, eyes blazing. “Respect? You sided with your ex yesterday in front of my team.”
“That wasn’t about sides—”
“Yes, it was,” she snapped. “And I’m not a fool, Royal.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “You’re making this personal.”
“It became personal the moment you let Vanessa talk to me like I was an assistant at my own launch.”
Silence.
Their eyes locked again—anger, fire, maybe something else simmering between them.
Before either could speak again, the office door opened.
“Am I interrupting?”
Vanessa.
Wearing an overly tight pencil dress, holding a gift bag in one hand.
Ruby inhaled slowly. “Of course not. It’s not like anyone knocks around here.”
Vanessa walked over to Royal’s desk. “I brought you something—your favorite coffee and muffins from that place in Milan.”
Royal forced a polite smile. “Thanks.”
Then Vanessa’s gaze slid to Ruby. “Oh. You’re still here?”
Ruby smiled sweetly. “I own half the company, remember? I live here.”
Vanessa ignored the jab and reached out to adjust Royal’s tie. Ruby’s eyes narrowed. Royal didn’t stop her.
Something inside Ruby snapped—but she didn’t show it.
Instead, she stood gracefully. “Excuse me. I have to meet with a client. Unlike some people, I actually work.”
As she walked toward the door, she added coolly, “Vanessa, you might want to adjust your neckline. This isn’t a nightclub.”
Vanessa’s mouth dropped open.
Royal bit back a smirk.
***
*The Next Day – Final Campaign Presentation*
Ruby arrived at the office thirty minutes early. Today, she was dressed to kill—literally.
A tight black dress hugged her curves, paired with red heels, bold eyeliner, and lips that could silence a room.
Royal looked up as she entered and nearly dropped his tablet.
“Good morning,” she said, her tone syrupy sweet.
“You’re… dressed up,” he managed.
“I have a new assistant,” she said smoothly. “He’s talented. Charming. Very… hands-on.”
Just then, "Leo", the new assistant, entered—tall, athletic, tattooed and effortlessly cool. He gave Ruby a wink.
Royal’s fists clenched.
“Ready for our presentation, Ruby?” Leo asked, handing her a file and resting his hand *a little too low* on her back.
Royal stepped forward. “Ruby—”
She turned, smiling like a devil in designer heels. “Yes, Royal?”
He stared at her, trying to decide if he was furious, jealous, or both.
She didn’t wait for an answer.
“Let’s wow the board.”
And with that, she walked off with Leo, hips swaying confidently.
Royal was left behind, jaw tight, heart pounding.
This wasn’t just business anymore.
It was war.
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- Writer
