Livid Guardian's Endless Coddling

Aria's face darkened hearing the management decision. She agrees country A wasn't the market for Arna's design but Arna's fame and market are worldwide. Supporting her means reaching different cities. But the problem was, the lifetime of a designer is variable, Hence the risk is high.

She turned to Arna who was ignoring Ivan. She asked, "Snow, do you have any other company in mind on Skyline rejection?"

It was enough to tell, Skyline management board wasn't ready to take the risk. She was glad they weren't considering her a daughter but a designer. She wanted to be recognized as Arna instead of making her way up easily with Aria or Alan's name.

Arna shook her head promptly. She won't go to another company in country A as they would treat her as the daughter of Aria and Alan. Her aim was always the best and her mother's company and resources were most suitable for her to spread her branches to different countries. 

The fighting spirit she had lost was back. "I will make them regret it and come to my doorstep," Arna announced in determination.

Aria and Ivan had a smile, understanding she had a backup plan, "That's like my girl." Aria proudly said. The most important thing was not breaking down and losing hope. Making that a stepping stone and moving towards the goal.

"Go, lift your team spirit," Aria said, asking her to take care of her team.

However, Arna chuckled, "They will already be planning ways to slap back." She didn't believe in a team who she had to motivate each time. Her team had members who were motivated and career-driven.

Aria chuckled, she hugged her daughter before seeing her off. Aria wasn't tense about the meeting but Arna's reaction. If Arna gets something easily, she always thinks she got it due to her parents. Aria was worried if the team would approve without measuring out all aspects, Arna would think she was nothing.

But if the team rejects, Aria was afraid thinking what if that hurts Arna. Since the rejection inspired her to work harder, Aria had nothing to worry about.

She completed a design before Alan picked her up personally.

--- 

Meanwhile at the other end. Ivan had a few words with Aria and ran out to reach Arna. The latter pretended to be unseen and didn't stop the elevator door from closing.

Ivan stood frozen in front of the elevator for a moment before he made his way down to the 19th floor from 26th using stairs. He wasn't inhumane to go at the speed of a light elevator. However, he reached before she could leave with her team.

He didn't pant as though he was using the elevator just now. "Snow…" He called.

However, Arna flashed him a professional smile, "Thank you for your time, Vice President Ross." 

She was passing by when Ivan clenched his teeth and repeated, "Snow." There was a restraint in his voice, but it was hard to decide if he was angry or trying to control his sadness.

Arna knew she shouldn't ignore him but she wasn't in the state. Her hands trembled at the thought of taking any rash decision. She told her team, "Go to the studio." They had different cars.

The manager nodded, "Alright." He left with her assistant to give them privacy. Not just the duo, all had seen her indifference towards Ivan.

Ivan turned around to take her to the pantry but Arna feigned nonchalance again, "Ivan, go back to your work. I don't want to disturb your work time." 

He held her wrist and went to the pantry on the floor. "Out." He growled at the employees who were in there.

Ivan wasn't cold overbearing unless he loses his cool. Instead of judging him, they chose to leave quickly.

He turned to face Arna once everyone vacated the place. "What is going on with you?"

Arna pulled her hand out of his clutch and bit her inner lip before shaking her head indicating it was nothing. She still thought he was worried because he treats her as a friend.

Ivan stayed in control and asked, "Do you have nothing to say to me?" There was a hint of despair which he hid immediately. He had forgotten, he will lose his place once she gets her father and mother to share her worries.

She didn't know why, she suddenly felt she had increased the distance between them while battling her thoughts. Like she had left him at the water fountain park and walked far away from there, returning felt too hard. 

It was just like how she had felt for her family and the thought of it was enough to make her freeze and tremble.

She didn't want to make the same mistake with anybody else. It was already hard for her to cope with one mistake, another one felt heavier to live on.

Even though she and Naira didn't meet or try to contact each other, she could already guess their friendship was beyond repairable. Even if they get back, none would be able to treat her fairly and they won't be able to trust each other the same.

All Arna ever had was Naira, Ivan, and Arsh as her true genuine friends. She had earned a few from country S but they weren't the ones who would go through every thick and thin with her. Arsh was her brother, she lost Naira and she didn't want to lose another one even if she had to give up on him and be just friends.

Ivan couldn't read her messy complex thoughts. He was worried seeing her gaze wander and her irregular breath in some kind of fear.

He moved closer to her. He slid his hand under her ear and held her face to look at him, "Snow, are you alright? Snow, look at me."

Arna jerked away when his other hand too reached to hold her. She didn't want to have any hopes so that she could reduce her heartache and be a good friend even if it gets hard for her.

She breathed out loud and shook her head at Ivan who was confused. She held his hand which was in the air and tried to relax, "I am just a little stressed. Give me some time to collect myself and set up my studio. Hm?" She requested, hoping she wasn't damaging or hurting his feelings.

Ivan felt his response was going to drive them away. Why? He had no idea. It was his gut feeling.