CHAPTER 278: CHAPTER 278 THE NIGHT BEFORE THE SPOTLIGHT

Serena’s POV

My phone vibrated with an incoming call, and Ivy’s name flashed across the screen. I couldn’t help but smile as I answered.

"Mrs. Quinn," Ivy’s voice came through, sounding more confident than I’d ever heard her. "Matthews finally agreed to the collaboration. You were right—I just needed to stand my ground!"

A warm sense of satisfaction washed over me. "I knew you could do it, Ivy. Sometimes people just need a little push to find their voice."

We quickly arranged to meet within the hour. Fashion Week was practically breathing down our necks, and there wasn’t a moment to waste. This collaboration needed to be perfect—both our reputations were on the line.

When we met at Kruse’s design studio, we skipped the pleasantries and dove straight into work mode. I’d already reviewed Zara Percy’s sketches briefly, but seeing her finished pieces hanging on the mannequins sparked an immediate flood of ideas in my mind.

"These silhouettes," I murmured, running my fingers along the delicate fabric of one evening gown. "They have such potential for our celestial elements."

Every Dreamland Studio collection revolves around a distinct theme, each telling its own story. What struck me most was how seamlessly Zara’s creations aligned with Dreamland’s aesthetic—as if our design languages were speaking the same dialect.

"What if we incorporated these crystal embellishments along the neckline?" I suggested, pointing to one of her simpler designs. "They’d catch the light beautifully on the runway."

Ivy’s eyes lit up. "Yes! And if we added that signature metallic thread you use in the Dreamland collections through the bodice—"

"It would create continuity between both brands," I finished her thought, feeling that rare spark of creative synchronicity.

We fell into an effortless rhythm, bouncing ideas off each other, sketching modifications, and occasionally bursting into laughter when we’d both reach for the same fabric swatch simultaneously.

"Great minds," I’d say with a wink.

"Or desperate designers with a deadline," she’d quip back.

Hours melted away. The afternoon sun sank below London’s skyline, and before I knew it, darkness had fallen outside the studio windows. Our impromptu workshop had produced something remarkable—a cohesive collection that honored both our artistic visions while creating something entirely new.

"Mrs. Quinn," Ivy said, noticing me stifle a yawn, "you should take a break. I can handle the finishing touches."

I hesitated, glancing at our shared workspace covered in sketches, fabric swatches, and half-empty coffee cups. Pride swelled in my chest at what we’d accomplished in mere hours.

"Are you sure?" I asked, though my body was practically begging for rest. The creative adrenaline that had sustained me was wearing thin.

"Absolutely. You’ve done more than enough. Our team can work with yours to finalize everything."

As I gathered my things to leave, I noticed Ivy’s dinner—delivered by her assistant hours ago—sitting mostly untouched on the table. She’d been so engrossed in our work she’d barely taken a bite. That level of dedication was exactly what Dreamland Studio needed.

"Mrs. Quinn, your phone is ringing," Ivy called out just as I reached the door.

I fished my phone from my purse and felt a flutter in my chest when I saw Ryan’s name on the screen. No matter how many times we spoke, that feeling never quite disappeared.

"Thanks, Ivy. I’ll see you tomorrow for the final run-through," I called back, stepping into the hallway with a lightness in my step despite my exhaustion.

"Good evening, Mr. Blackwood," I answered playfully. "Checking up on me again?"

His warm chuckle traveled through the line, wrapping around me like a familiar blanket. "Just wanted to hear your voice. Fashion Week eve—you must be knee-deep in chaos right now."

"You have no idea," I sighed, making my way to the waiting car. "But we’ve made incredible progress. I think I’ve found a design prodigy in Ivy Percy. She has this innate understanding of balance and form that can’t be taught."

"Should I be worried you’ll replace all your designers with new talent?" Ryan teased, but I could hear the genuine interest beneath his words.

"Just expanding our family," I replied, settling into the backseat of the car. "Speaking of which, I can’t wait to come home after all this. London is beautiful, but..."

"But it’s not where your heart is?" Ryan finished softly.

"Something like that," I admitted, feeling a blush warm my cheeks. Even after everything we’d been through, he still had that effect on me. "Once Fashion Week wraps and things stabilize here, I’ll be on the first flight back to New York."

"I’ll be counting the days, Serena," he said, his voice dropping to that intimate tone reserved just for me. "The house feels empty without you bustling around with fabric samples and coffee mugs in every room."

I laughed, picturing the creative chaos I often created. "You miss my mess? That’s how I know it’s true love."

"I miss everything about you," he replied simply. "Even finding your sketches mixed in with my business reports."

"That was one time!" I protested, but couldn’t keep the smile from my voice.

"Three times, actually. But who’s counting?" His gentle teasing made me feel closer to him, despite the ocean between us.

"Get some rest tonight," Ryan continued. "Tomorrow’s your moment to shine. I wish I could be there to see it."

"Me too," I whispered, feeling the day’s exhaustion finally settling into my bones. "I’ll call you after the show."

"I’ll be waiting. I love you, Serena."

"Love you too," I murmured, ending the call as my eyes grew heavy.

We chatted for a few more minutes about nothing in particular. When a yawn escaped me, I realized how truly exhausted I was. After saying goodnight, I ended the call and leaned back against the seat, allowing myself to finally relax. Tomorrow would be a defining moment for both Dreamland Studio and Ivy Percy—and I was ready.