She Was Fired From Her Father’s Fashion Empire—So She Returned and Became the Designer He Couldn’t Afford to Lose
CHAPTER 10
Vivian tried to leave.
Police were already waiting.
Sloane and Celia stood frozen.
Victor Frost refused to speak.
Jonathan remained beside Mara.
For several seconds, neither father nor daughter said anything.
Then he whispered:
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Mara looked at him.
“Because you didn’t believe me the first time.”
Jonathan closed his eyes.
She continued.
“You let them bury me.”
“I know.”
“You watched them take my work.”
“I know.”
“You fired me.”
His voice broke.
“I know.”
Mara looked away.
“I hated you.”
Jonathan nodded.
“I deserved that.”
She hadn’t expected him to say it.
Then he reached into his pocket.
He pulled out an old photograph.
Mara’s mother.
“We lost her.”
He looked at his daughter.
“Then I lost you.”
Mara’s eyes filled with tears.
“I thought you stopped loving me.”
“I never stopped.”
“Then why?”
Jonathan swallowed.
“Because every time I looked at you, I saw her.”
Mara finally understood.
The anger didn’t disappear.
But it changed.
She stepped closer.
“I am not Mom.”
“I know.”
“I’m me.”
Jonathan smiled through tears.
“Yes.”
He hugged her.
For years, Mara had imagined this moment.
She had thought it would feel triumphant.
Instead, it felt fragile.
Like something broken being carefully repaired.
Then Jonathan asked:
“Will you come back?”
Mara looked toward the design studio.
“On one condition.”
“What?”
“I don’t want your protection.”
Jonathan nodded.
“Then what do you want?”
“My own collection.”
He smiled.
“You always were your mother’s daughter.”
Mara shook her head.
“No.”
She smiled.
“I’m my own designer.”
