Compared to Ste’s surprise, Alessia was much moreposed–after all, things were unfolding just as she’d expected.


    It was inevitable that Liam would blow up. Eighty percent of Fitch’s million followers were genuinely active, and before Fitch’s fall from grace, thepany had already hinted at pushing a neer. Driven by curiosity and a bit of judgment, everyone was bound to keep an eye on Liam’s next move


    Of that million views, Alessia guessed at least half came straight from Fitch’s old


    fans.


    She scrolled through thement section again. Some were ask


    bout the


    song, others were curious about Liam’s looks, and of course, a few seized the chance to take jabs at Fitch. Overall, though, the feedback was mostly positive. Satisfied, she handed Ste her phone back.


    After lunch, Alessia made her way alone to the art studio, where Penny was already


    waiting.


    “You’re early,” Alessia said, settling in a nearby chair and watching as Penny sketched swift, confident lines.


    “So, what made you decide to use my design all of a sudden? Weren’t you going <b>to </b>pitch yours?” Penny asked, her focus never wavering from the paper.


    “It fits the sports day theme, your design won first prize in the contest, and there’s enough buzz to make it interesting. Plus, you get to cash in on your reward. It’s a win all around,” Penny replied matter–of–factly, her pencil a blur as a dress began to


    take shape.


    “You really have me figured out,” Alessia said with a wry smile.


    “Nothing’s changed–just the main character. As long as we hit our goal, it doesn’t matter. The regional office is prepped; this sports day is the perfect promo for them, and it doesn’t interfere with the mainpany’s focus on high–end exclusives.”


    At that, Penny put down her pencil and turned to look at Alessia. “You really are something else.”


    Alessia had half–expected a different remark and couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle. With business settled, she didn’t linger. She nced at the sketches. stretched her arms, and started for the door.


    “For the asymmetric neckline, use tsavorite instead of emerald–it’ll give a better effect,” she suggested as she left, leaving Penny alone, staring at the design. After a long pause, Penny erased her original note and reced it with “tsavorite” in neat handwriting.


    Honestly, Penny was d Alessia couldn’t draw. If she could, Penny’s path would be a lot harder–maybe even impossible.


    After sses, Alessia stayed behind to finalize sports uniform details. She asked Ste to let Zachary know he could head home without her, and by the time she finished and stepped outside, it was nearly six.


    “I’ll give you a ride,” Penny said, rolling down her window.


    Alessia shook her head. “No need, really. I’ll just take the bus.”


    Neither of them were the type for pointless back–and–forth. One offered, one declined, and that was that–no fuss, no small talk.


    It was almost ironic that the two of them ended up running apany together. Aside from the asional family dinner, they’d barely crossed paths before. Then one day, out of the blue, Penny–usually so aloof and solitary–suggested starting a fashion brand.


    And Alessia? She agreed instantly.


    Ste had even gotten jealous, suspecting Alessia and Penny were secretly dating behind her back.


    But the truth was much simpler. One threw out an idea, the other rolled with it. Penny admired Alessia’s skill; Alessia respected Penny’s designs.


    Most students at their academy were wealthy, well–connected, and had plenty of free time. Starting a business was nothing unusual–some opened coffee shops, others invested in startups. The school didn’t discourage it; if anything, they encouraged hands–on experience, since most students would eventually take over their family businesses. It was good practice, no matter how you looked at it. The school even organized all sorts of events for students to get real–world experience. That’s why, even if their grades weren’t quite as ster as those at Crestview High, their talent development rate was an impressive ny–five percent.


    For all the randomness of how their business began, Alessia <b>and </b>Penny <b>worked </b>together with surprising harmony. Their very first fashion <b>show </b><b>was </b><b>a </b><b>hit</b><b>, </b><b>earning </b><b>them </b><b>a </b>name for themselves. That was <b>how </b><b>A</b><b>&</b><b>P </b><b>became the </b><b>brand </b><b>everyone </b><b>in </b>


    Chapter <b>159 </b>


    their circle knew.