Days later, as Lisa finalized her designs for LaFleur, she received an unexpected call from Henry Caldwell.
"I wanted to personally thank you for standing your ground, Lisa. Marcus Blackwood may own the company, but it's people like you who will shape its future." Henry echoed from the other end of the phone.
Lisa smiling, gratefully. "Thank you, Henry. It means a lot to hear that."
But just as she hung up, another call came in. This time, it was from Marcus's assistant.
Assistant on the phone, nervously "Miss Anderson, Mr. Blackwood has requested your presence at a private dinner this evening. He… insists."
Lisa frowned, her irritation growing.
Lisa coldly says "Tell him I'm busy."
Marcus was not used to being ignored, and Lisa's continued defiance only fueled his obsession. Every move she made, every time she defied him, it only pulled him in deeper. He needed her, to acknowledge him, to see that they were connected in a way neither of them could deny.
And so, Marcus decided he would stop at nothing to win her over.
The next week came faster than expected. In an Elite Fashion Summit buzzed with excitement as the prestigious personalities of the fashion industry filled the ballroom. Lisa, dressed in one of her boldest creations, moved confidently through the crowd. The whispers followed her. Rumors of her growing success, but also of Marcus Blackwood's shadow lingering over her every move.
Jane leaning in, her voice low "Everyone's talking about you, Lisa. You've outshined every designer here."
Lisa smiled, but there was a tension in her chest. She knew tonight was critical. Her brand had reached a pivotal moment, and the rumors of Marcus's involvement were beginning to wear her down.
Before Lisa could respond, she spotted him across the room. Marcus, looking every bit the untouchable billionaire, was watching her, his gaze unreadable.
He'd been pulling strings behind the scenes for weeks. Showing up to meetings, putting pressure on investors, and making sure her competitors failed. She could feel him tightening his grip on her professional world, trying to make her dependent on him.
Lisa muttering under her breath. "I won't let him win."
But Marcus wasn't the type to back down easily. As Lisa prepared to present her latest collection to a panel of elite buyers, she noticed her models acting strangely, some looking nervous, others distracted. Jane rushed over, her face pale.
"Lisa, something's wrong. Two of your top models pulled out at the last minute. Their agencies are claiming a conflict, but it feels like sabotage." Jane frantically uttered.
Lisa's heart pounded, but she didn't flinch. She knew exactly who was behind this.
Lisa smirked, unmoved yet determined "Marcus."
With no time to replace them, she called an emergency meeting with her team.
"We're not backing down. Rework the lineup, switch up the outfits if we have to, but this show goes on." Lisa intoned, firmly but calm.
Her team scrambled to adapt, and within minutes, the chaos was under control. Lisa took a deep breath, mentally preparing for her moment on stage.
Just as Lisa was about to step onto the runway, Marcus appeared by her side. His presence was infuriating, but she kept her cool.
Marcus smirking, his voice low "Seems like you're in a bit of a bind, Lisa. Need my help?"
Lisa's jaw tightened, but she turned to face him, her eyes blazing.
"Oh, I didn't realize sabotage was your version of help. You really are full of surprises." Lisa sarcastically lashes out.
"Call it… leveling the playing field. You've been running on pure ambition, Lisa, but this industry isn't just about talent. It's about power. And right now, you're running out of time." Marcus's tone playful but with an edge.
Lisa stared at him for a long moment, the tension between them crackling like electricity. She was done with his games.
Lisa's voice rising, enough for those nearby to hear "You think you can manipulate me? Control my future like you control everything else in your life? Newsflash, Marcus. I'm not one of your possessions, and I never will be.
Heads turned as her voice carried across the room. Marcus's smirk faltered as murmurs rippled through the crowd.