"My birthday wish is for Phoebe to be my mommy," Estela Leon heard her daughter Rowena Leon say from behind the door.

She clutched her mouth, trying to muffle the sobs that broke out-Phoebe Silva was her husband Vance Leon's mistress.

She had already stolen Vance. Now, she wanted to take her children too.

But today was Rowena's birthday. Estela didn't want to ruin the celebration.

She wiped away her tears and stepped into the room with a gift. Rowena, who loved looking pretty, pulled away the moment she reached to touch her head.

"And Mommy, you have a cold. Stay away from me-don't mess up my hair. Phoebe did these braids. If they get messed up, she'll be upset."

Estela watched Rowena and her son Josh Leon excitedly talk about making clothes for Phoebe. In the corner, a little doll meant to be "Mommy" lay forgotten, tossed aside.

Her chest tightened, and a bitter taste spread in her mouth.

She had been in a secret marriage with Vance for three years. To everyone else, Phoebe was seen as his rightful wife.

But after just a few months apart, even her own children-flesh and blood-now seemed to prefer another woman.

Estela lowered her eyes and stood in silence for a long while, only heading upstairs to shower and rest when the housekeeper quietly reminded her.

Just then, Vance's secretary arrived. He paused for a moment, surprised to see her.

"Ma'am, Mr. Leon won't be coming home tonight. He asked me to pick up the gift he prepared for Ms. Silva," the secretary said.

"Alright," Estela said softly.

Once the secretary left, a sharp pain shot through her chest.

He remembered to prepare a gift for Phoebe-but not once had he ever given her anything.

She dialed a video call.

It connected quickly.

"What is it?"

The screen showed Vance's private lounge.

Elegant, luxurious, bathed in dazzling light-every inch oozed the extravagance that Zrefast was known for.

He wore a six-figure tailored suit, held a wine glass, and lounged casually on the sofa.

There was nothing calculating about him-just cool elegance. His expression was calm, aloof, and untouchable, like frost or snow. He was the kind of man people dreamed of but could never reach.

Estela had loved him for six whole years.

Her voice softened. "It's been a while since we saw each other. Tonight, maybe-"

"Vance-"

Before she could finish, a soft, feminine voice chimed in on his end.

It was Phoebe.

The call cut off immediately.

Just before the screen went black, Vance said simply, "We'll talk later."

Estela tightened her grip on the phone, staring out at the towering skyline beyond the window.

Cars streamed through the streets like rivers of light. The city shimmered-so bright and beautiful it almost didn't seem real.

Her husband, Vance, controlled a financial empire and moved markets with ease. But for her-his wife-he had no warmth, no time, no care.

Six years, and he'd never changed. Always cold. Always distant.

Behind every kind word or gentle look was a wall she could never get past.

She'd spent all these years trying to win back his heart.

But in that moment, for the very first time-Estela felt something shift. She was tired.

Estela didn't call him back. She drifted into a restless, heavy sleep.

The next day, Vance finally sent a message: [Sorry. Happy third anniversary.]

Then another: [This is to make up for it.]

Not long after, a bank alert came through-an eight-figure deposit.

She scrolled past the messages, just as a notification popped up from Phoebe's social media.

[A custom-made diamond ring from Egoset-eight months in the making. A once-in-a-lifetime piece. Thank you, Mr. Leon.]

In the post, Phoebe was all smiles, radiant and charming. A dazzling diamond sparkled on her pale, delicate hand.

Dressed in a rose-red gown, she posed beneath a famous tower, the fabric swirling around her like wine. The whole image screamed luxury, decadence-and intention.

Estela suddenly remembered the day before she married Vance.

It was in the family's quiet, old estate. He'd walked past her along the corridor. His eyes were calm, unreadable-but they had seen straight through her illusions.

He said, "I'll marry you. But that's all."

Back then, she'd thought the line "I want love, not money" sounded childish-naive, even.

But now, for the first time, she got it.

For six years, she'd chased a fantasy-thinking all she wanted was his love.

And she'd never had it.

She forced down the emotions building inside her and quietly went downstairs.

In the garden, she heard Rowena's innocent, sing-song voice, laced with a hint of complaint. "Why did Mommy come back? Phoebe promised to take us to see the bear ballet today. I wish Mommy just never came back."

"Yeah," Josh said softly, eyes downcast. "Billy said Daddy only married Mommy because he couldn't marry Phoebe. Mommy's pretty, but I still like Phoebe more."

The words hit Estela like ice water down her spine-sharp, sudden, cruel.

'He couldn't marry her?' she thought.

The shock took a moment to fade, and when it did, her heart felt hollow.

She looked at her children.

She'd nearly died giving birth to them-both times. Complications, hemorrhaging.

They'd been weak, sickly babies, and she'd cared for them around the clock. Barely slept, barely ate. It ruined her health.

Then something happened in Zrefast. Vance's father Reggie Leon fell gravely ill.

Vance went back to take charge-and brought the kids with him.

Since then, she'd been traveling back and forth between two cities. But every time she came back, the children seemed farther and farther away.

She didn't even remember how she got back to her room.

The kids had private lessons scheduled. The nanny took them out.

Even with everything on her plate, Estela messaged Vance again to ask for a meeting.

She was his wife. Whether it was about the kids or about Phoebe, she had every right to demand answers.

But he brushed her off with a single line. "I have something important. Let's talk tomorrow night."

There was no way to describe the bitterness welling up inside her.

She left the house without thinking and wandered to the place where she and Vance had first met-an old amusement park.

It was small, tucked away in a corner of the city.

Just as she stepped in and approached the Ferris wheel, she heard a familiar little voice. "Phoebe, I want to ride the Ferris wheel!"

"Okay, I'll go get the tickets."

Estela looked up-and there they were.

Not far away, Phoebe and Vance, each holding one of her children's hands. They looked, unmistakably, like a perfect family.

Soon, Estela heard her children's voices. "You're the best. I want to be with you forever."

Phoebe laughed softly, teasing, "If your mom hears that, she won't be happy."

"I don't like her. Why should I care if she's mad?"

The words hit Estela like a blast of arctic wind.

She stood frozen, watching in silence as Vance and her children walked hand in hand with Phoebe into the Ferris wheel.

The man she had loved for six years. The children she had brought into the world.

Without another moment's hesitation, Estela turned and walked away.

She'd been holding on for six years-it was time to let go.

Back at the old house, she quietly packed up all of her belongings.

Then she sent Vance one final message: [Have the divorce papers ready.]

She left her wedding ring on the nightstand, walked out without a backward glance, and called a cab to the airport.

*****

After leaving the church, Vance returned to the old house with the children.

The area outside the church was packed. Just as he was about to check his phone, someone shouted-

"Stop! Thief!"

A commotion erupted.

The bodyguards instinctively moved to shield him, but in the chaos, Phoebe was shoved forward-right into Vance's arms.

His phone slipped from his hand, crashed to the ground, and was crushed under the stampede of feet.

"Vance, I'm so sorry-your phone." she said.

He frowned briefly, then said calmly, "It's fine. I'll get another one."

The phone was mostly used to keep in touch with family anyway.

Not that anyone in the Leon family texted much. If anyone messaged him at all, it was usually Estela.

But her messages had never seemed urgent.

*****

On the way home, the kids were buzzing with excitement.

Rowena tugged on his sleeve, eyes sparkling. "Daddy, is Phoebe really going to stay with us soon? She promised to take me to Candyland!"

Even Josh looked hopeful.

"Yes," Vance nodded.

But Josh hesitated, frowning slightly. "But Daddy. Mommy said we're not very healthy, and the air at Candyland might make us sick. She didn't want us to go. Won't Mommy be upset if she finds out Phoebe's moving in?"

Vance responded gently, "Phoebe is trained in medicine. She once saved Daddy's life. With her here, you'll both be fine. Your mommy won't be staying long anyway. Phoebe's just visiting for a while to help take care of you."

The kids had always been frail. Having Phoebe around might actually do them some good.

"Yay!" They both shouted in delight as they arrived home.

But the moment they stepped inside, they found something that made them even happier-Estela had gone back to Trurgh.

Vance noticed the wedding ring placed neatly on the nightstand and paused, mildly surprised.

Ever since they got married, no matter how badly they fought, Estela had never taken off that ring.

Now she had left without a word-and taken the ring off, too.

'Is she upset again? Feeling neglected?' he thought.

Estela had always been gentle and soft-spoken-like most women from Trurgh, traditional and reserved. No matter how coldly he treated her, she never pushed back.

'Well, even the calmest person has a breaking point,' he thought.

Still, Vance didn't take it too seriously.

He tossed the ring aside without a second thought.

"Mrs. Leon won't be coming back for a while. Pack up her things. Clean out the room-Ms. Silva will be moving in soon," he ordered.

Rowena and Josh's eyes instantly lit up.

'Now that Mom is gone, Phoebe can finally move in,' they thought.

'And no one would be breathing down our necks anymore-asking the doctors endless questions about our physical activity.'

'Mom always makes such a big deal out of everything. She insists we meet our monthly exercise quotas and hovers over us every time she comes home.'

"It's just a pity," Josh muttered gloomily. "Mom said she'd help us finish building that spaceship. It's super hard."

The puzzle had thousands of tiny pieces. Once completed, it would become an intricate model of a spaceship. Josh had been planning to give it to Phoebe as a birthday gift.

But it was exhausting and hard on the eyes-he'd been waiting for Estela to help.

Rowena pouted too. "She was supposed to finish sewing clothes for my doll before she left."

Every time Estela came back, she'd make a whole new wardrobe for the dolls. Phoebe always said how good Estela was at picking fabrics and matching colors.

But this time, Estela left so suddenly that the clothes weren't ready.

Now Phoebe wouldn't see them, and there'd be no compliments.

Estela wasn't as fun or glamorous as Phoebe, but when it came to fiddly little projects like this-she was actually really good.

*****

Meanwhile, in Trurgh-miles away-Estela returned to the home she once shared with Vance.

After he moved back to Zrefast with the kids, Estela had stayed behind. Officially, it was for work, but in truth, it was mostly to care for his parents.

Reggie had long settled in Zrefast, but the rest of the family had moved to Trurgh over a decade ago.

High society in Zrefast had its own rigid rules-everything from dress codes to dinner etiquette was micromanaged.

Rosalyn Leon never got along with Reggie and had no interest in returning to that life. She was used to being pampered and calling the shots-and preferred life in Trurgh, where things went her way.

The Leon family wasn't fond of women who were too outspoken or ambitious, so for Vance's sake, Estela had kept a low profile and stayed behind as the dutiful daughter-in-law.

Her job at Leon Group had always been in name only.

But now that she had made up her mind to divorce Vance, none of that mattered anymore.

She packed up everything in their marital home and prepared to hand over the keys.

Just as she came downstairs, suitcase in hand, the butler happened to see her.

"Mrs. Leon, you're back. Rosalyn mentioned she was craving that fish soup you made last time."

But when he saw the luggage, he froze mid-sentence.

Estela handed him the house keys.

"I won't be living here anymore," she said with a faint smile. "If she wants soup, tell her to hire a chef."

Without waiting for a response, Estela turned and walked out-ignoring the butler's stunned expression.

That night, Rosalyn didn't get her fish soup.

*****

Later that evening, Vance video-called Rosalyn. She didn't waste time voicing her discontent.

"Honestly, you never should've married a woman from Trurgh. Can't even cook a simple dish of fish soup," she said.

He looked mildly surprised.

Estela had always been respectful and compliant, especially toward elders. Her defiance this time? Unexpected.

"It's just a dish," he said indifferently. "If she won't make it, get someone else who will."

Rosalyn looked uncomfortable.

Truth be told, she'd already tried hiring several chefs-but none of them could get it quite right. Not like Estela did.

Still, she couldn't admit that in front of her son. She muttered a vague reply and left it at that.

Off to the side, the butler hesitated, unsure whether to say anything about Estela moving out of the house.

"Mr. Leon. Mrs. Leon, she. she's moved out."

He barely got the words out before Vance cut him off, voice cold and flat. "Forget it. Leave her alone."

Vance ended the call without a second thought.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office overlooking Zrefast, a faint trace of annoyance flickered across his otherwise impeccable face.

He glanced at his newly replaced phone, but in the end, didn't call the contact at the top of his list.

Back at the church, both his phone and SIM card had been destroyed.

At first, he'd intended to let Estela know-she was still his wife, after all.

But lately, it seemed all the special treatment he'd given her over the years had gone to her head.

A little lesson wouldn't hurt.

Unaware of any of this, Estela slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, she returned to the Leon Group and submitted her resignation.

It went through without a hitch.

When Vance had placed her in the company, it was a low-level, nominal role. No one really knew her true identity.

So once she completed her handover, she could leave cleanly.

When word got out, a coworker remarked with a knowing smile, "Must be for your kids, huh? They're what, four? Five? That age clings to their mom like glue. You always had their pictures on your desk-and that necklace with their little faces on it. You've always treated them like treasures."

Estela paused.

She had loved Vance-deeply. And naturally, she loved the two children they had together. Even now, separated by cities, she still cared deeply for Rowena and Josh.

But.

She shook her head, offering a small smile. "It's not about them."

And that was the truth.

The Leon Group was massive and well-connected internationally, but its focus-construction and real estate-was never her passion.

Before, as Vance's wife, she hadn't questioned it. The expectations from the Leon family left little room for her own ambitions.

But now that she had chosen to leave him, she needed to choose her own future.

Her gaze drifted to her phone, where a headline flashed across the screen. [National Heritage Expo: The Fragrant Arts.]

Perfume blending. Coffee ceremony. Modern reinterpretations of traditional craftsmanship.

Something about it caught her eye.

Without hesitation, she texted her cousin, Wilford Warren: [Any chance you can get me a ticket to this event?]

He responded almost instantly. [Of course. But aren't you always too busy? Between the Leon family and the kids, when do you ever have time for this kind of thing?]

[I do now.] Estela replied calmly. [I'm divorced.]

There was a pause.

[Wait-seriously?] Wilford's response came with a stunned breath. [You actually divorced into that Leon family?]

The same Leon family who had built a private rooftop amusement park in the heart of Zrefast-just for their grandchildren. No outsiders allowed.

Back when Estela's parents died, the only reason the Leon family even considered the marriage was because her grandfather Keven Warren had once done them a great favor.

Otherwise, no way would they have let Vance marry the daughter of a university professor.

Even if that professor's father was none other than Keven-the renowned scholar of classical arts.

[If it doesn't feel right, walk away.] Estela replied lightly, with a smile.

Wilford couldn't tell if he admired her courage or pitied her choices. Maybe a bit of both.

Wilford: [But... what about Rowena and Josh? Can you really let them go?]

Estela glanced at her phone.

When the kids had moved back to Zrefast, she'd made sure they each had a phone-just in case they missed her and wanted to call.

But over the past year, unless she reached out first, neither of them had ever called her.

They had everything now: a powerful family name, a life of privilege. and a woman they already saw as their mother.

'So why should I keep clinging to a connection that only exists in blood?' she wondered.

*****

Back in Zrefast, inside the Leon family's estate, the nutritionist gently reminded the children, "Josh, Rowena, did you forget what Ms. Warren said? No being picky with food. Your bodies are still fragile-you need a balanced intake of fat to grow up healthy. And no overdoing it with sweets."

Josh hesitated, looking uncertain.

But Rowena waved it off like it was nothing.

"Mom already missed her check-in call! She won't know anything. Besides, Phoebe said kids should be happy! And right now, the thing that makes me happiest is eating all these cupcakes!"

Just then, a light laugh floated down from upstairs.

Phoebe came down, smiling as she walked over and gently tapped Rowena on the forehead. "You little troublemaker. Alright-whatever Rowena and Josh want, they can have."

"Yay! Phoebe, you're the best! I wish you could stay with us forever!"

Their innocent cheers made Phoebe's smile deepen.

The nutritionist frowned. She opened her mouth to object, but when her gaze landed on Phoebe, she hesitated-and fell silent.

At first, she had assumed Estela was the lady of the house. But now it was clear: Phoebe moved around the Leon family like she belonged. The kids were clearly attached to her.

If she upset Phoebe, it might not sit well with Vance.

Josh, meanwhile, was conflicted.

Last time he ignored Estela's advice, he ended up really sick.

Phoebe was sweet, and he did like her-but Estela had warned him that if he kept eating recklessly, he'd get seriously ill again, and Vance would be worried too.

He didn't want to cause either of them stress. So as he ate, he held back, choosing more carefully.

Rowena, however, wasn't as cautious. She ate too much-mixing cold and hot foods, creamy desserts, and sugary treats. By nightfall, she was doubled over in pain.

Curled up on her bed, she trembled from the stomach cramps. Her soft, pale face looked pitiful, flushed and tear-streaked.

When Vance heard Rowena wasn't feeling well, he rushed home immediately.

Rowena tugged on his sleeve with teary eyes and a trembling voice.

"Daddy. did I get sick because I was bad? Did Mommy punish me with a stomachache? She said if I ate too many cupcakes again, a witch would curse me. I didn't mean to. I want Mommy to come back and undo the spell." she said.

More than anything, she missed how Estela would always make her warm soup whenever she was feeling sick.

Now, all she could do was cry, a mess of tears and runny nose.

Beside them, Phoebe bit her lip, looking guilty. "Vance, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying close enough attention. I let Rowena eat too many sweets."

Rowena quickly jumped to her defense, worried her father might be upset with Phoebe. "Daddy, it's not her fault! It's because Mommy forgot to call me! She doesn't care about me anymore."

Josh blinked in confusion. Thankfully, he'd remembered what Estela said last time he got sick.

Even if Estela didn't laugh and play like Phoebe, she always paid close attention when it came to their health.

Still, since Phoebe was always so kind, he couldn't help but speak up for her too.

"Daddy. Mommy used to remind us a lot. Rowena's still little-she just forgets things sometimes."

"Understood," Vance said, his tone a bit firmer now. "From now on, both of you need to follow the nutritionist's instructions. No more sneaking snacks."

He didn't blame Phoebe for what happened. In fact, he found himself even more frustrated with Estela.

'Isn't this exactly what she is supposed to be doing? She used to handle all of Rowena's meals and routines,' he thought.

But now that she couldn't even be bothered to check in properly, Rowena had gotten sick. As far as he saw it, this was on her.

Estela had no idea Rowena had been sick.

That Sunday, she still thought to check in and called the kids over video chat.

She was their mother, after all. Even if the emotional bond wasn't what it used to be, she still had a duty to them.

When the call came through, Rowena and Josh were busy helping Phoebe try on evening gowns.

In just a few days, Reggie would be discharged from the hospital.

Normally, that would mean Vance had no reason to stay in Zrefast and would head back to Trurgh to continue expanding the business.

But the idea of returning made the twins visibly glum.

They weren't ready to see Estela again. And they definitely didn't want to leave Phoebe.

Seeing their downcast faces, Phoebe smiled and gently ruffled their hair. "Hmm. let me guess. Why are my little prince and princess so upset?"

She paused dramatically. "Is it because we're heading back to Trurgh? I thought you'd be excited to see your mom again."

Rowena's eyes welled with tears. She pouted and mumbled, "What's so great about seeing Mom? We don't want to leave you."

Josh nodded. He did miss Estela a little, but the thought of parting with Phoebe made him hesitate.

"Well then," Phoebe said with a playful glint in her eye, "I have some good news."

She let the suspense hang for a second, then smiled.

"I've got work to do in Trurgh. I'll be staying there for quite a while-so I'll be coming with you!"

"Really?" Rowena lit up, cheering with joy. If Phoebe was coming to Trurgh too, then everything would be perfect.

Right at that moment, Estela's video call came through.

The ringtone echoed a few times. Rowena stared at the screen, then deliberately let it ring out before hanging up.

Estela called again. And again.

Annoyed, Rowena finally blocked the number.

Phoebe chuckled and gave her a gentle poke on the forehead but didn't scold her. "Rowena, why didn't you answer your mom's call?"

"She didn't call me the other day on purpose, and I got sick. She's so mean-I don't want to talk to her!" Rowena pouted.

Besides, they'd be going back to Trurgh soon. She'd see Estela then anyway.

And if Estela found out Phoebe was moving in, she'd definitely be upset.

Rowena didn't want anyone messing with her and Phoebe's time together.

Phoebe pinched her cheek with a warm smile. "As long as our little princess is happy, that's all that matters."

Josh had a fleeting sense that something about all this wasn't quite right. But when he saw the calm expression on Phoebe's face, his doubt faded.

Vance always said Phoebe was special-not like other women.

And if she didn't think Rowena had done anything wrong, then maybe it really wasn't a big deal.

Besides, they'd be seeing Estela again soon anyway.

On the other end of the line, Estela stared at the red exclamation mark on her phone screen, stunned.

This was a phone she had specially set up just for the twins.

No one else used it. No one else had access.

She'd known their relationship had grown distant since they'd gone to Zrefast-but she never imagined they would block her.

Still worried, she called the housekeeper at the villa, the one in charge of the children's daily care.

"Ma'am, the children are doing great," the woman said cheerfully. "Right now they're helping Ms. Silva try on dresses."

The mention of "Ms. Silva" hit Estela like a pin to the chest.

Those were her children-children she had nearly died bringing into this world.

And now, they were looking to another woman for comfort and care.

"As long as they're okay," she replied quietly.

She didn't bring up the fact that her children had blocked her.

She knew their personalities-spoiled since birth, prone to sulking. Blocking her was just another form of acting out.

If this had happened before, she might have kept calling. Again and again. Refusing to give up.

But now. she found she no longer had the energy.

As long as they were safe and healthy, that was enough.

Whether or not they still saw her as their mother-that was no longer something she could control.

Two days later, Reggie was discharged from the hospital.

Vance soon made the decision to return to Trurgh and expand the Leon Group's presence there.

Before leaving, Rowena and Josh said their goodbyes to classmates at school.

The farewell gifts were chosen by Phoebe.

But the kids who received them didn't seem all that thrilled.

"Barbies and toy cars? These are kinda old now," one of their closest friends muttered. "I liked those teddy bear cakes your mom made way better. Why didn't you bring those?"

Rowena pressed her lips together.

Those teddy bear cakes were Estela's specialty. They were complicated to make-Estela had burned her hands several times trying to get them just right.

But Phoebe didn't know how to make them. 'If only Mom were here.' Rowena thought.

Josh looked down too.

Ever since Rowena had blocked Estela's number, she hadn't called them once.

He hadn't heard her voice in what felt like forever-and honestly, he kind of missed her.

Still, he'd be seeing her soon.

But if Estela was back, that probably meant less time with Phoebe.

Vance had no idea what the kids were thinking.

When the housekeeper called to inform him, she said, "Sir, Mrs. Leon hasn't been back to the villa for over a week. Would you like us to let her know you're returning?"

He frowned. His tone cooled immediately. "No need. If she's not coming back, then clear out the master bedroom. I'll be moving in there with Rowena, Josh, and Phoebe."

In the past, he'd only stayed in the marital home when visiting the children.

But since Estela insisted on giving him the cold shoulder, she had no business returning to that house.

Meanwhile, back in Trurgh, Estela had moved into her old apartment and started growing flowers on the balcony.

She wasn't particularly skilled at gardening, but maybe it was the peace of being on her own-or simply being free from her marriage-that made everything feel lighter.

Her neighbor, Cleveland, was quick to scold whenever he saw her plants. "Girl, if you don't know how to grow flowers, stop drowning them! They're about to keel over!" he'd grumble, beard twitching with annoyance.

After stepping in to rescue the plants himself, another neighbor pulled Estela aside, smiling apologetically.

"Don't mind the old man-he's been extra cranky lately. Word is his grandson's refusing to get married, and they had a big falling out. He stormed off and moved in here to cool down."

Estela just smiled.

The Leon family had been steeped in strict rules and formality. She'd spent years tiptoeing around, doing everything to please them.

Cleveland might be grumpy and old-fashioned, but with his help, gardening suddenly felt more manageable.

Over time, the two formed an unexpected friendship, one that felt strangely comforting.

That evening, Estela got a message from Delia Allison, her senior from university.

When Delia learned Estela would be attending the National Heritage Expo, she immediately suggested they go together.

Estela had studied design in college-sharp, creative, and full of fresh ideas. She had once joined Delia's design studio under the pseudonym Smile, contributing to several dazzling, standout projects.

But after marrying into the Leon family, she'd quietly stepped away.

Delia's studio, meanwhile, had steadily risen to prominence. It was no surprise she'd been invited to such a major industry event.

When Estela arrived, Delia was already surrounded by admirers, navigating the room like a star.

In recent years, she'd made quite a name for herself, with a strong presence in the design world.

People gravitated toward her effortlessly, eager to introduce themselves, eager to be seen.

A successful woman always shone brightest-men, in contrast, felt more like props in the background.

Estela watched from a distance and lowered her gaze.

For years, she had poured her heart into Vance and their children-so much so, she had nearly forgotten who she used to be.

'Could I still be that bold, brilliant designer I once was?' she wondered.

Just as the thought surfaced, Delia made her way over.

"This year's expo is really something. A lot of new talent showing up," she said with a knowing smile. "Watching them today reminded me of you. Back when I tried to keep you at Allison Group-it's a shame how things turned out."

Allison Group had been the name of Delia's college startup-the predecessor to her current firm.

Estela gave a small, bittersweet smile. "Allison Group's doing just fine without me."

In the world of design, fresh talent emerged constantly. No one could stay on top forever.

Besides, she hadn't been part of that world for years.

"I don't agree," Delia said, lighting a cigarette and finally saying what she'd been holding in all these years.

Estela looked up when she heard the words, her long lashes fluttering slightly as she gazed at the artwork on display.

Delia raised an eyebrow. "The Rangel Group has been focused on developing a modern aesthetic these past couple of years - from jewelry to fashion. That just happens to be your area of expertise. Estela, I need you."

Estela was no stranger to the Rangel Group.

In recent years, it had expanded rapidly, especially in traditional industries.

Its head, Wesley Rangel, though young, had already earned a reputation for being ruthless and calculating, with a sharp eye for the future.

It didn't surprise Estela that Delia was trying to team up with the Rangel Group to carve out a space in the design market.

'But... could I really go back to that world?' she wondered.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, a cold, aloof voice called out from nearby. "Estela? Shouldn't you be taking care of Mom? What are you doing here?"

It was Thelma Leon- Vance's younger sister, and a star student at Choross University.

Ever since Estela married into the Leon family, Thelma had kept her at arm's length.

She had nothing but disdain for women like Estela - women who relied on men, buried themselves in housework, and, in her eyes, had no real worth.

Estela hadn't expected to run into her here.

She didn't offer much explanation. "Just came to take a look."

"These pieces have significant artistic value," Thelma said coolly. "Even the simplest design here is probably beyond your understanding. My brother, Josh and Rowena will be back soon. You'd be better off focusing on them."

To her, Estela was nothing special. Sure, she'd heard that Estela had a decent education and some design talent before marrying in, but in the end, she was just another woman who landed on her feet by marrying well. 'What real ability could she possibly have?' she wondered.

Estela stood frozen for a moment. 'Vance is coming back?' she thought.

Her fingers curled slightly, a trace of bitterness rising in her chest.

Even though they were getting divorced, he was returning with the child - and he hadn't even bothered to tell her.

In his eyes, the woman who had once been Mrs. Leon really didn't matter at all.

Thelma, never one for small talk with Estela, was about to leave when something crossed her mind - the fish soup Rosalyn had been craving.

"Oh, right," she said offhandedly. "If you've got time, make some of that fish soup. You're not exactly busy, and your cooking's still passable."

In the past, Estela would've agreed without a second thought.

Back then, she'd done everything she could to win the Leon family's approval. No matter how complicated the request, if Rosalyn asked for it, she'd make it happen.

But now? She didn't care anymore.

"Sorry. I've got my own things to take care of. Let the chef handle it."