Livid Guardian's Endless Coddling

Standing in front of Skyline, Arna was taking a deep breath when her assistant called her a few times before holding her shoulder, "Arna, what's wrong? Are you afraid of your mother?"

Arna came out of her thoughts and faintly smiled to keep her assistant and the manager of the studio worry-free. She didn't bother to tell them that the meeting wasn't a formality. 

Even though her mother could have easily collaborated with her without the consent of others, she didn't want anybody to point their finger at Arna's team and their capabilities. She was giving them a chance to earn admiration and support. 

If they fail to reach the expectations and standards of Skyline, Arna knew Aria would personally help her find another suitable collaborator or help her brand standalone without any collaborator.

It wasn't that Arna couldn't have a standalone brand, but it consumes too much time forming a company with marketing, public relation, and other departments. She just wants to focus on designing and her modeling career instead of becoming a CEO.

A team of three, 2 ladies and a man reached the nineteenth floor where the meeting was arranged. A receptionist escorted them like new collaborators and guided them out of the elevator.

Arna felt hard to breathe when her eyes landed on Ivan who was followed by the other three to welcome them. There wasn't an exchange of smiles on their faces, there was unexplainable silence when the duo looked at each other.

Her assistant's words brought her out of her thoughts when she added, "Sister Arna, Brother Ivan has become more handsome. You have such a good choice."

'Good choice?' Arna didn't even guess, one day Ivan would become so handsome. It wasn't his looks she liked, it was his tolerance towards her and boundless care.

Ivan was unsure how to react but he had to maintain his conduct so that other managers shouldn't think like they were giving special treatment to Arna Morgan who is a designer. Ivan didn't want his actions to affect her in a long way.

At the same time, it was hard for him to stay unresponsive after seeing her after two weeks. In the past, they used to go on without meeting each other for many months but they were always in contact through messages, voice, and video calls. These two weeks felt the longest when he knew she wasn't far away but close to him, in the city.

He decided to take her out after the meeting. She might become the collaborator partner, she is also his friend, if not his love. 

'I am sorry, Snow. Hope you understand.' He thought before he lifted his hand for a handshake to welcome her with a professional smile.

She felt her hand tremble before she managed to put on a formal faint smile and held his hand as she heard him, "Ms. Morgan, welcome to the Skyline."

"Vice President Ross, thank you for your personal welcome." 

Both continued their act of professionalism leaving others confused before they went with the flow and started the meeting.

Arna's assistant realized it wasn't just a formal meeting but the real deal. She and the manager became serious and gave a presentation with Arna as they had planned.

They gave a good presentation but the lack of response made the other two think if they weren't good enough. Whereas Arna knew how the Skyline works so she didn't reveal her expressions at the time.

Standing by the screen and seeing Ivan sitting at the head of the long table, Arna realized how their lives are totally different. Her employees and working style were totally different from theirs. Her surrounding felt colorful whereas his, dark or light

Ivan heard the group had mixed responses so he glanced at his secretary who stood up quickly before his gaze settled on Arna, "Ms. Morgan, let's take a break. We will get back to you soon."

The managers who were holding back their opinion due to Arna's identity as Aria's daughter finally let out a breath. Even though they knew Aria is upright, when it comes to family, she will prioritize them so they didn't want to offend her.

Arna nodded, "Sure." Then she looked at her manager and assistant who took the laptop, portfolio, and other things before following her.

The secretary left them in the break room with snacks and refreshments before she made her way back to the conference room.

Arna knew it would take a long time so he went in search of her mother. Meeting her mother isn't a sin, right?

She didn't Aria in the office. After asking her secretaries, she made her way up to the design studio which was on the terrace. Her father had built it for her mother.

She knocked on the door before she pushed it open. She didn't find her in the living hall. She checked Aria's new upcoming designs. People were already talking about Aria aka Alia's retirement, but Arna didn't think Aria should retire. She was now a legend who gets pre-order for a year. 

Reaching a room where her mother usually designs, she saw a whole heap of papers flying around with unfinished designs. Instead of Arna, Aria was tense about the meeting so that Arna could sense it.

"Momma," Arna called involuntarily smiling at her mother's state. She knew Aria never shows her worry to anybody but Alan so she didn't dig deep and made her uncomfortable.

"Your team of oldmen is hard to please." She said humorously and Aria chuckled.

Both sat for a general chat with a coffee. Then their conversation turned about designing and sharing their experiences. Arna didn't find it odd when her mother became an eager child to learn what she never tried. So without realizing an hour had passed.

Ivan, who reached the studio after the long discussion with the team, knocked on the door to get the attention of two ladies who were lost in their world without noticing he had entered there.

Aria glanced at Arna, she had told Ivan to give her some time to collect herself but she hadn't expected it would take two weeks. Looking Arna turns aloof by his presence, Aria faced Ivan.

Ivan pursed his lips and shook his head at Aria. He meant the collaboration wasn't successful. He was afraid to word it as it might affect Arna's emotional state.