?Chapter 727:


    A faint shadow crossed Maia’s face as she nced at Alice, who stood beside her, remarkably poised despite the chaos swirling around them.


    Alice, once considered a giant in the international fashion world, looked nothing but earnest now.


    Maia hadn’t anticipated this level of determination from Alice. Truthfully, her silence the day before had been a gentle way of turning Alice down.


    After all, Alice was older and already respected as a master designer. While her admission of borrowing from Maia’s work had stirred plenty of controversy, her reputation in Otruitho still held strong.


    More importantly, Maia’s priorities were already clear. She simply didn’t have the time or energy to take on an apprentice.


    Still, allowing this situation to linger wasn’t going to solve anything.


    Maia kept her tone cool and direct.


    “Ms. Byrd, this isn’t the ce for a discussion. Let’s move this somewhere more private. Come with me.”


    Relief shed across Alice’s face, and she nodded right away.


    “Yes, of course.”


    Maia unlocked the car, holding the door open for Alice.


    In seconds, the car pulled away, leaving behind a crowd still buzzing with spection.


    Behind the wheel, Maia tightened her grip and shot Alice a sidelong nce. Without beating around the bush, she shut down Alice’s proposal.


    “Ms. Byrd, I’m sorry, but I can’t ept you as my apprentice.”


    Maia continued,


    “Honestly, I don’t believe I have anything to teach you — or that I’m even qualified to be your mentor.”


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    Alice, however, acted as if she hadn’t heard a single word. She pressed on, her voice warm with sincerity.


    “Four years ago, it was your designs that snapped me out of my creative slump. I looked up to you from that day forward. So many of my pieces since then have been inspired by your work. When I realized you were Maia, the genius behind MCN, I was over the moon! Not even that wild stormst night could put out my excitement. I spent the whole night reviewing your recent collections. Your work blows me away every time.”


    Admiration sparkled in Alice’s eyes. She took a breath, then smiled.


    “So, whether you officially ept me or not, you’ll always be the mentor I look up to.”


    Maia found herself at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.


    At that moment, Alice reached into her bag and pulled out a sketch.


    “Ms. Watson, I drafted thisst night. Would you mind giving it a look?”


    Maia knew she couldn’t keep turning Alice away, especially with how much trouble her appearances were causing at MCN.


    With a helpless sigh, Maia guided the car to the curb and stopped.


    “All right, I’m fine with exchanging ideas. Just that.”


    She examined Alice’s sketch, quickly spotting a few areas that could use improvement, and offered her suggestions.


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