08. "Unleashing the Sterling Fury: The Fashion Industry Showdown- I"

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After Vivienne left the Olivia Place and stepped out onto the quiet street, she took a deep breath of the cool, crisp evening air. She looked up at the sky and noticed that the sun had already set, and the street lamps were casting an amber glow over the pavement. Despite the late hour, she felt a sense of calmness and relief after spending some time with her friend and mentor figure.

As she walked, Vivienne took in her surroundings. The neighborhood was a peaceful one, with neatly trimmed lawns and well-maintained houses. She couldn't help but compare it to her previous home, a small apartment in a noisy and chaotic part of town.

As she approached the mansion's gates, Vivienne couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. She was still adjusting to the idea of living in such an opulent place, and she sometimes felt out of place among the mansion's ornate furnishings and expensive decor. But as she entered the foyer and was greeted by the warm glow of the chandelier and the scent of freshly cut flowers, she knew that she was home.

The walls were adorned with priceless art, and the furniture was made of the finest materials. Vivienne couldn't help but feel impressed by the sheer luxury of it all.

Despite her familiarity with lavish lifestyles, Vivienne still appreciated the beauty of the Sterling mansion. It was a stunning piece of architecture, and she felt lucky to call it home.

As she stepped through the door of the grand mansion, Vivienne couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. This place had become her sanctuary in just a week's time, a far cry from the opulent lifestyle she had known before. Here, she could finally relax and escape from the many worries that had plagued her for so long.

"Welcome home, Ms. Sterling!" greeted the butler, James, with a warm smile. It was still strange for Vivienne to hear her new name spoken with such familiarity, but she appreciated the warmth and kindness that the Sterling family had shown her since her arrival.

"I am home, Uncle James! Is Lucien home or at the office?" Vivienne asked, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation at the thought of seeing her husband again, even though they had only been married for a short time. She hadn't thought

"Yes, Mr. Sterling has been waiting for you at the dinner table," replied James, relieved that Vivienne was settling in well. He had worried that the ten-year gap in Lucien's slumber would make it difficult for him to adjust to the changes in society, but perhaps having Vivienne by his side would make it easier.

"Okay, then I will be there shortly. Can you inform him about it?" Vivienne said, feeling a little embarrassed that she had kept Lucien waiting.

"Hmmm, yes! I will," acknowledged James before heading off to inform his master.

Vivienne made her way to her room to change into something more comfortable, slipping into a loose, floral one-piece dress. She couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over her as she descended the grand staircase to the dining room. The sound of cutlery clinking against fine china filled the air as she made her way towards her husband, who was waiting for her with a warm smile on his face. For the first time in a long time, Vivienne felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.

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At the Dinning Hall,

Lucien Sterling sat at the main seat and Vivienne sat in front of him while butler stood at the distance away from them to gibe them space to take privately between them.

Lucien's voice broke through the serene atmosphere of dining hall as he addressed Vivienne, "So how was your day today, Vivi?" His tone was gentle and inquisitive, but there was something else underlying his words, a hint of concern.

Vivienne, caught off guard by the sudden nickname, almost dropped her fork as she took a bite of the sumptuous meal in front of her. She quickly composed herself and replied, "Hmmm, Yeah, It was fine! I guess!" But her eyes betrayed her words, showing a hint of distress that she was trying hard to hide.

Lucien noticed her momentary lapse in composure and prodded further, "Hmm, are you sure?" His gaze was fixed on her, as if he could see through her mask of calmness.

Vivienne hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, "Hmmm! Yeah, everything's alright!" She tried to give a reassuring smile but it felt forced, and Lucien could sense it.

He decided not to push any further while Vivienne taking this chance asked Lucien about how his days have been.

"Hmmn! I am getting used it slowly, there certainly many changes, there were places that I used to visit in free time but now they aren't there anymore!" Lucien said, his eyes fixed on a distant memory as he spoke.

The dining hall was quiet except for the sound of utensils clinking against plates. Vivienne and Lucien sat at a round table, surrounded by plush chairs and subdued lighting that cast a warm glow on their faces.

As they savored their meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly between Lucien and Vivienne, spanning topics from work to personal interests. Lucien exuded an air of poise and composure, but a tinge of melancholy crept into his voice as he recounted the changes he had weathered. Vivienne was rapt with attention, hanging on his every word, her glances at him betraying an unmistakable infatuation.

After they finished their meal, they bade each other good night and retired to their respective bedrooms. Vivienne felt a sense of relief that Lucien hadn't pushed for anything beyond their current arrangement, and she couldn't help but feel that it was a wise decision on her part.

As she lay in bed, her mind replayed their conversation, savoring every moment of their time together. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them, but for now, she was content to bask in the warmth of their burgeoning friendship.

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At Night,

In the Lucien home office,

Lucien Sterling reclined in his comfortable chair, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Butler James. The butler stood before him, looking hesitant and unsure of where to begin.

"Uncle James, do you have any information on what's bothering Vivienne? Her reaction suggests it's not a normal problem," Lucien asked, his voice laced with concern.

"There are many issues troubling Ms. Vivienne, and the one you helped her solve was just one of them, Master Sterling," Butler James replied, his voice tinged with hesitation.

"Let's hear them one by one," Lucien said, his eyebrows raised expectantly.

Butler James retrieved a notebook and began to explain. "Just after your suggestion, Ms. Vivienne's new concept design was acknowledged by the committee of Amberford, and she was invited to showcase her designs at the Amberford Fashion Centre."

Lucien nodded in acknowledgment. "Amberford, Passion Brand, one of our industry branches, is located there. Isn't it under the management of Olivia Windsor?" he asked, his mind already at work.

"Yes, Ms. Olivia has been making great progress and hasn't let your expectations down. The branch has made 2.3 percent more in turnover than last year," Butler James replied with a smile, remembering the ambitious woman who was loyal to Master Sterling.

"But back to the topic at hand, Ms. Vivienne's problems mainly stem from her rivals, who can't stand to see her Delacare Company succeed. There are three big fashion brand companies that are trying to stop her from spreading her wings," Butler James continued.

"And who are these companies, and who is in charge of them?" Lucien asked, his voice cold and sharp.

"Orion Black, one of the founders of Eclipse Designs; Scarlet Reigns, president, and founder of Crimson Couture; and Raven Nightingale, CEO, and founder of Midnight Chic. These companies have even copied the idea that you suggested to Ms. Vivienne last time," Butler James replied, his anger palpable.

Lucien's eyes blazed with fury. "It seems like some people have forgotten the Sterling name and the reason why we're at the top of the industry," he growled.

"Give me the instructions, and I'll have them bankrupt within a week," Butler James said, his determination clear.

Butler James looked just as determined, eager to teach the three shameless and daring individuals a lesson they wouldn't forget. They shouldn't have messed with the Sterling family.

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