Marve explained her plan to Bonnie: "I want to start a brand studio, focusing initially on custom gowns. As far as I know, besides Eternal Hope (owned by your cousin), very few domestic brands rival foreign luxury brands in fame and reputation. Eternal Hope, however, concentrates on wedding dresses. For other gown styles, consumers still prefer foreign brands. I want to see if I can change that." This wasn't a new idea; it stemmed from the principal of Blue Star Kindergarten looking down on Theo because Marve was unemployed, fueling her determination.

Bonnie immediately agreed. "Exactly! My cousin mentioned the domestic fashion industry's recent slump. Eternal Hope's best-selling gown series are still the styles you designed."

"Do you think it will work?" Marve asked.

"Absolutely!" Bonnie exclaimed. "I own two well-located office buildings. You can choose one—rent's on me."

Maeve refused, unwilling to take advantage of Bonnie. Bonnie countered, suggesting Maeve convert the rent into equity.

Maeve considered this and agreed. After securing office space and completing the necessary paperwork, she registered her brand as "Dreamscape." She then picked up an SUV. Upon leaving the dealership, she received a call from Islaton Private International Kindergarten—on Theo's very first day.

Rushing to the school, she demanded of Mr. Taylor, "Who did Theo bully?"

Diego Taylor was surprised by Maeve's assumption. He explained, "Ms. Reese, your son didn't bully anyone, nor was he bullied."

Confused, Maeve asked, "Then why the call?"

Diego recounted three incidents: Theo charming all the girls, causing them to fight over sitting with him; a boy wanting to sit with Theo, only to be berated by the girls until he cried; and Theo performing a magic trick with a paper rose during art class, prompting more tears.

Maeve anticipated Diego's plea for her to encourage Theo to be less disruptive. Instead, Diego declared, "Ms. Reese, I believe Theo possesses strong leadership and organizational skills. His lively personality makes him ideal as class monitor."

Stunned, Maeve asked, "But he made the children cry?"

Diego sighed, "Yes, but he also comforted them."

Maeve coughed, thinking, Theo charms everyone.

"Mr. Taylor, I'll ask Theo before answering," she said.

Diego smiled and nodded, thanking her for coming.

As Maeve left, she overheard a teacher asking about Mr. McDaniel's son, learning he was sick and likely absent, as he had been last semester. This concerned Maeve, as Theo and Byron McDaniel's son attended the same kindergarten. Despite Diego's reassurance, she considered changing schools for Theo.

The school bell rang as she left the building. Waiting at the gate, she saw Theo surrounded by children who seemed reluctant to leave him. He waved goodbye, promising to bring them treats and toys tomorrow. One little girl commented on his handsomeness, speculating he'd been bitten by a spider. Maeve blushed, dismissing the idea.

Theo climbed into the car, kissing and expressing his affection for Maeve. He recounted his first day, mentioning the enthusiastic children showering him with sweets, and a sticker from his teacher. He gave Maeve the sticker.

Touched, Maeve agreed to take him for a celebratory McDonald's meal, followed by new clothes. Theo happily declared his contentment with his mother.

In stark contrast to this warm scene, a gloom hung over Nightfall Manor: Will had run away from home.