The Divorce That Brought Us Back novel Chapter 62

Afternoon.

Warm sunlight filtered through the studio’s floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling over the sofas in the reception area.

Nora was busy discussing design details with a client.

This client was none other than Leona York, the stunning actress widely revered as The Golden Supporting Actress.

Leona was also the very first client Nora's studio had ever signed.

Back when Nora was still setting up the business, Leona had gotten into a massive public dispute with her original wardrobe team.

Leona's fans had blasted the stylists as incompetent, complaining that the clothes they picked completely failed to match their idol's unique, icy elegance. That wardrobe team, being well-known in the industry, refused to back down. They publicly fired back, claiming the fans were clueless amateurs who loved to play armchair director.

The situation escalated quickly.

Eventually, the back-and-forth arguments exploded into a trending topic online.

Left with no other choice, Leona was forced to change her styling team.

Unfortunately, this happened right before the major Television Arts Awards.

Just as Leona was stressing over her red carpet gown, she coincidentally stumbled upon the design Nora had submitted to an international competition years ago—The Midnight Swan.

The dark, regal elegance of the piece instantly captivated her.

She wanted it.

She had to have that dress.

Leona sought Nora out personally.

The Midnight Swan held profound personal meaning, and Nora hadn't originally intended to give it to anyone.

But the gown perfectly complemented Leona's striking, untouchable aura, as if it had been tailor-made for her. Ultimately, Nora agreed to lend it out.

Leona stunned the entire industry on the red carpet, rocketing to overnight stardom.

The Midnight Swan and its creator, Nora, were instantly thrust into the spotlight.

It was exactly the push the newly founded studio needed.

They had elevated each other to success.

Following the awards, Leona landed her first leading role in a major production.

She was cast as a resurrected anti-heroine out for vengeance.

Earlier this month, filming wrapped, and the project entered its promotional phase. Knowing she had a slew of television appearances lined up, Leona commissioned six custom gowns from Nora.

Today, she was here to finalize the designs.

"My agent thinks this dress for the premiere is too conservative. We need it to be sexier, a deep V-neck, maybe cut a bit lower. We need a hook to get people talking."

Contrary to her icy on-screen persona, Leona was actually incredibly gentle in person. She spoke slowly and patiently explained the reasoning behind every requested alteration.

Nora looked down at the sketch. The premiere gown, themed around a raven, was pitch-black with a bodice adorned in feathers, featuring an elegant ribbon draped over the collarbone. It certainly didn't lack sex appeal.

After a moment of thought, Nora said, "This dress is designed around your character in the show."

Leona nodded. "Yes."

"Then it shouldn't be any sexier."

"Why not?"

"You're the female lead, an aristocratic empress. You hold the ultimate power. Only the weak use beauty to seek favor and protection from the strong. You already possess absolute authority. Leaning too heavily into sex appeal will undermine the character's formidable presence."

Leona nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Let's approve this one as is."

By the time they finished going over everything, it was already two in the afternoon. Leona had other obligations and hurriedly left the studio.

As Nora was getting ready to grab lunch, she noticed a missed call from David.

"David?" she answered, returning his call.

"Nora, the autumn family dinner is the day after tomorrow. Come home to eat."

Since the incident two years ago, Vivian hadn't spoken to Nora either.

Nora paused, turning her head to give a stiff nod. "Yes, I'm back."

It was the first time mother and daughter had exchanged words in twenty-four months.

Vivian offered a small smile. "Your grandfather is talking to David right now. Come sit down for a bit."

Nora didn't want to sit.

She had nothing to say to the woman.

"I'm going upstairs."

Ignoring Vivian completely, Nora headed straight for the second floor.

Arthur Dodge was one of the few people in this family who actually treated Nora reasonably well.

However, when the family assets were divided years ago, Arthur had moved out of the estate to live with Nora's uncle. She rarely saw him outside of the holidays.

David had specifically mentioned that Arthur would be there today, which was why he urged her to come home early.

Striding purposefully toward the tearoom on the second floor, Nora could faintly hear voices inside. Just as she raised her hand to knock, a terribly familiar voice drifted from behind her.

"Nora. Long time no see."

Nora’s entire body went rigid. She whipped around.

Bella leaned gracefully against the hallway railing, her arms crossed. The corners of her lips were turned up in a seemingly friendly smile, but the warmth never reached her eyes. In the depths of her gaze hid an unmistakable, venomous hatred.

She raised a hand and gave Nora a patronizing little wave.

In that instant, Nora’s pupils contracted, her widened eyes filled with sheer horror.

Why was Bella here?

She wasn't supposed to be here!