Now that M was contemting divorce, the question of Adrian''s custody loomed heavily over her.


    M could sense what her grandaunt Jade was thinking. She had often imagined that if their strained rtionship ever improved, she would take Adrian to visit Jade.


    But now...


    Jade had never been fond of Lysander, so M could muster the courage to tell her about his infidelity, and Jade would likely ept it.


    However, admitting that Adrian harbored resentment towards her and favored Lysander''s affair partner was something M couldn''t bring herself to say.


    How could she possibly exin that?


    To confess that the child she had carried for nine months, whom she had risked her life to bring into the world, preferred Lysander''s mistress and even wanted her as a mother?


    To reveal her intention to relinquish custody?


    Jade might not be able to handle it; she wasn''t young, and their rtionship had only just begun to mend.


    "Grandaunt," M chose her words carefully, "let''s not rush things with Adrian. Lysander and I haven''t even settled the division of assets."


    Jade, well-versed in the intricacies of high society, understood that both marriages and divorces wereplicated affairs, especially when it came to dividing wealth. She decided not to press the issue of custody further but suggested M find time to bring Adrian over for a visit.


    M replied, "...Okay."


    Jade then picked up a portfolio from the table, steering the conversation to more pressing matters.


    "I''ve reviewed your work over the years. Not bad. Your craftsmanship hasn''t declined, and your creativity is still intact. It seems you haven''t neglected your talent after all."


    On this point, she was genuinely satisfied.


    Hearing these words, M felt a surge of happiness, her eyes brightening considerably.


    Her grandaunt was among the top echelon of the international fashion scene, and


    her approval carried significant weight in these circles.


    Given Jade''s serious nature, she wouldn''t offer empty praise, especially on professional matters.


    Her remarks indicated that M''s recent design work held merit.


    Jade continued, "Your private studio is off to a good start, and it''s essentially your initial brand. Keep it running, but don''t take on any bigmissions for the next few months. Once you''vepleted your resignation procedures,e directly to mypany, Splendid."


    "Your skills and talent were honed under my guidance, and your designs are exceptional. What youck is recognition. International exposure will bring the fame you need, and I''ll arrange that for you."


    Splendid. M knew it well.


    Ranked among the world''s top thirteen haute couture luxury brands, Jade''s intention was clear-she wanted M to join Splendid as a designer.


    With Splendid''s prestigious backdrop, M could bypass many of the arduous processes andplexities, making her debut on the international stage where she could potentially achieve instant fame.


    With sufficient recognition, she could establish her own luxury brand and secure her ce in the fashion industry.


    This was her aspiration, her dream, her true passion.


    Yet... M hesitated.


    Over the years, she had received several lucrativemissions and had begun


    to make a name for herself as Lillian in elite circles. However, without global


    exposure, the international stage still seemed distant.


    She had never stood on such a grand stage before.


    Was it too soon?


    She wasn''t sure if she could handle it. What if she faltered and tarnished the golden reputation of the brand her grandaunt had built?