Chapter 527

Byron glanced at the wall calendar, his face freezing. It was Maeve's birthday. He'd planned a surprise, but it felt too late. His lips twitched. "Why this date, Ray?" he asked, confused. "It's not Valentine's Day, or anything special."

"I don't know," Byron mumbled, returning to his documents. "Probably a random choice." He hadn't been to that promised place in two or three years. Maeve changed everything.

Maeve's recovery from her illness coincided with Dreamscape's product launch. The U-shaped stage was packed with VIPs. As the lights shifted from warm to cool, a melodious song began, and the show started. The theme: My Fairy. Black and white, retro elegance, improved shark silk, and exquisitely unique crewelwork on each garment – each pattern a complete, independent work of art.

Gasps rippled through the audience.

"Damn, Dreamscape's gone crazy!" "This surpasses anything we've seen! The fashion world is going to explode!" "Wait...is that the Erancian crown prince? And are those royal guards?" "And is that the Morris heiress beside him?" "No way! Mr. Soar from Zephyr Corp is here too?!" "The McDaniel CEO's car is parked outside..." "Am I even worthy to be here?"

A woman in a hat scoffed, "Maeve must've paid a fortune to get all these shills here. Crown Prince? Mr. Soar? If they show up to this show, I'll write my name backward!"

She was a rich heiress obsessed with a second-tier celebrity, and Maeve had caused her idol embarrassment; payback was due.

The nearby guests rolled their eyes. Before anyone could retort, Tom, sitting in the front row, turned, icy calm masking his fury. "Miss, are you sure about that?"

The woman’s eyes widened, recognizing the crown prince. Zephyr turned, his voice gentle, "What do you think of the show?"

Ella interjected sharply, "Shut your mouth. Don't think my friend is a pushover."

The woman paled, terrified. A silent phone buzzed – a message from her father: "[What have you done? McDaniel is crushing our company! What trouble have you caused?!]"

Panicked, she fled.

Tom noticed Wren and Zephyr, seemingly familiar with Maeve. He asked, "Do you know Maeve as well?"

Wren and Loren turned. Zephyr smiled faintly. "Is there anyone here who doesn't know Maeve?"

Tom received a meaningful look in return. Only Wren gazed at Zephyr, lost in thought.

Then, another gasp swept the room.

"It's Mr. Soar! The final model is Alexis Soar!"

Wren stared, stunned. Ryan Soar, in a black lake-patterned shirt and pants, barefooted, a gauze scarf trailing to his ankles, carried an ink-paper fan, the faint chime of bells accompanying his steps. A noble, ethereal figure. My Fairy.

The audience erupted in praise. How did Maeve manage to book him?

A post about the star-studded audience went viral, but was quickly dismissed as fabricated.

[Make it up. I'll see how you make it up next.] [The Erancian crown prince? Mr. Soar? I'd believe McDaniel was here before them!] [I believe Alexis saw the show. Don't spread rumors he modeled for them!] [Maeve's already posting fake reviews?]

Even Zephyr was surprised to see his brother. Tom turned to Wren, but found her eyes fixed on Ryan, lost in her thoughts.