Remy had been busy setting up her workshop, thanks to Deth's approval and support. She had spoken to him on the phone, because he was still not back and he told her to suit herself and proceed with her plans.
Remy's workshop was set up quickly. The designers and equipment arrived promptly, including sewing machines, fabric cutters, and ironing boards.
Her workspace was arranged with a large cutting table in the center, surrounded by shelves stocked with fabrics, threads, and other essentials.
The sewing machines were placed along one wall, with comfortable chairs and tables for sketching and designing.
The room was well-lit, with natural light pouring in through large windows, making it the perfect space for Remy to bring her fashion ideas to life.
Remy was thrilled to be working on her passion project again. She was a talented designer, and Vaughn Glory's annual fashion event, was just around the corner.
The event was a showcase for the company's finest models and designs, and Remy had been working tirelessly to create stunning pieces for the occasion.
But, she was torn about whether to showcase her designs at the event. On one hand, it would be a great opportunity to showcase her talent and earn some personal recognition.
On the other hand, she was worried that her mother and step-sister would find a way to confiscate the profits, leaving her with nothing.
Remy knew that Vaughn Glory needed a successful event to boost their resources, especially since Sophia had been draining the company's funds.
But Remy's priority was her own well-being for now, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that she would be better off selling her designs elsewhere even if it was at a normal high end store, creating her own brand or partnering with another company.
As long as her profit is ensured, until she can't be able to reclaim Vaughn Glory.
She was going to meet with Alexandra later that day to discuss her options.
Sitting in her new work space, surrounded by fabrics and designs, Remy felt a small sense of achievement but couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty.
She knew she had to put her own interests first, but a part of her still wanted to contribute to Vaughn Glory's success.
*
*
*
In the evening, when Alexandra was done with work, Remy set out to meet with her at East Cave with her group.
Alexandra filled Remy in on the latest updates on Vaughn Glory. As the former president and current vice president, Alexandra had been trying her best to keep the company progressing and profitable. However, Sophia obviously has other plans, shattering the company's interests.
Alexandra explained that some board members who had supported Sophia were now turning a blind eye to the company's decline, possibly due to being paid off or threatened, while others were against her.
Some models were already looking to leave Vaughn Glory, and a few had even filed lawsuits against the company for contract breaches.
The company had refused to respond to the court summons, as it risked heavy fines.
The only thing keeping Vaughn Glory afloat was the sale of their high-end fashion designer brand which were popular among celebrities and government officials.
And Sophia had started firing designers over minor mistakes, which had led to widespread discontent among the staff.
Alexandra was confused and concerned about the situation. Some designers were withholding their services from Vaughn Glory, while others were considering leaving.
The models were signing with other competitive companies and with their annual event around the corner, the situation wasn't looking good.
Given the situation, Alexandra advised Remy to sell her designs elsewhere, either by opening her own store, partnering with another company, or starting her own brand.
At this rate, investing in Vaughn Glory would be a lost cause, and Remy wouldn't see any profit or returns on her investment.
Hearing all this information filled Remy with sadness. The company her mother had built with her own sweat and blood was being mismanaged.
"Sophia, you're really something.." Remy gritted her teeth in anger.
At this rate, it seemed like the company's downfall was inevitable. But it will take more than this, a lot more than this, to bring down Vaughn Glory's prestigious legacy.
She decided to focus on building herself up first, before thinking about making a move. She was now very determined to start her own fashion brand.
It might not be an easy task, but she was ready to put in the hard work and dedication required to make it a success.
Starting her own brand would not only give her a sense of fulfillment but also set the best foundation she needed to potentially make a comeback and save her mother's company in the future.
Alexandra had also offered to resign from Vaughn Glory and join Remy to help build her new brand. She was willing to manage Remy's business.
But Remy knew that she needed at least one of her person on the inside to keep her informed about the company's dealings.
This way, she could stay one step ahead of her stepmother, Sophia, and prevent her from gaining full control of Vaughn Glory.
They finished discussing and bid each other farewell, Remy and her group of Avery, Axel, Jake and Drel, headed back towards their car.
The four of them had been waiting at a closetable for Remy to finish her meeting with Alexandra.
It was already night by the time they were done, and the streetlights on Ruine Street cast a warm glow over the bustling area as they stepped out into the lively atmosphere, surrounded by people going about their evening routines.
Some were working late, while others were out socializing. The group walked past a few street vendors and shops, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant neighborhood.
They decided to stroll about for a while before heading back. Avery, noticing Remy's mood after the meeting, thought a walk might lighten her up.
Enjoying the evening atmosphere. Avery pushed Remy's wheelchair as they laughed and chatted, buying a few things from street stores.
Remy cherished these moments, it reminded her of when they'd sneak her out of the Harrison family house to blend in with the crowd, escaping the sadness of her old life.
Remy couldn't help but notice that Avery and Axel seemed to pick at each other every now and then. They'd always done that, but it had become more obvious lately. They constantly made joking jabs at each other, teasing and playfully arguing.
Remy wondered if this might develop into something more than just friendship. Avery and Axel seemed so focused on each other, and she would be happy to support them if anything were to happen between them.
After a while, they decided to go home boarding their car, a brand-new Mercedes-Maybach. Remy sat in the front passenger seat beside Jake, who was driving. Avery, Axel, and Drel settled comfortably in the backseat as they prepared to leave.
Just as Jake started the car, a person rushed towards them, leaning on the window where Remy was seated. "Ma'am, you forgot something!" he said.
The person handed Remy a packaged item, similar to something she had bought earlier. But before she could even thank them, Remy perceived a weird smell coming from the package.
Suddenly, the sound of gunshots echoed twice through the air. The person's head jerked back, and blood splattered everywhere - on the car's glass, inside the vehicle, and even on Remy's body. She shrank back in horror as the person fell to the ground, dead.
Remy instinctively threw away the package, and a weird gas smell began to spread. Everyone in the car started to feel dizzy immediately.
And in that instant, more series of bullets were fired on their car door, destroying the lock. The door was yanked open, and Remy was pulled out by masked man.
Another car had appeared out of nowhere, waiting beside theirs. Remy was pushed into the new car, and the door slammed shut behind her. The driver sped off immediately.
"Follow them!" Drel yelled.
Jake reacted fast, ready to chase after the car. But just as he drove for a few minutes, something struck him. He slammed on the brakes and flunged the car door open. "There's a bomb! Get down now!" he yelled.
Avery panicked, overwhelmed by how fast the situation had turned around. Drew and Axel quickly opened the car door, and Axel dragged Avery out. They closed the door and sprinted away from the car just as it exploded.