After All

Fashion Show Ruckus

At the Innovare Headquarters, Marie sat at her desk, her eyelids heavy with fatigue after a long day of reports and paperwork. The office was quiet, and the soft hum of the computer was the only sound breaking the silence. Marie closed her eyes, trying to stave off the exhaustion, when Amy breezed into the room with a bright smile that seemed to light up the space.

"Marie, I have some exciting news!" Amy announced, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Marie opened her eyes, squinting slightly. "What's up, Amy?"

"I asked Mom if you could join me for the Fashion Show tonight," Amy said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "She agreed, so I'm thrilled to have you there with me."

Marie raised an eyebrow. "But what about the tasks assigned to me? I have quite a bit to finish."

"The Fashion Show is just for one night," Amy insisted, her tone reassuring. "You can handle the tasks tomorrow. It's a chance to unwind and enjoy a bit of glamour."

Marie hesitated, her professional mindset struggling against the allure of the evening event. "If you say so," she finally relented, her curiosity piqued by Amy's enthusiasm.

"Oh, and I heard Brian will be there since Vanessa is one of the models," Amy added with a mischievous grin. "I'm sure she'll cause quite a scene."

Marie's lips twitched into a small smile. "Sounds like it'll be quite an evening."

Later that night, the lobby of the upscale hotel was abuzz with excitement. The chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the elegantly dressed guests as they mingled and admired the opulent surroundings. Marie arrived, her eyes scanning the crowd for Amy, who was already waiting in the lounge area.

"You're just in time," Amy greeted her as Marie approached. She then turned her attention to a pair of figures making their way toward them. A tall, muscular man and a slender woman, both exuding an aura of confidence, approached with smiles.

"Ryoma, Rio!" Amy exclaimed, her face lighting up. "It's great to see you both here!"

"Aside from Rio and Gou handling things here, we're also here to support you, Amy," Ryoma said warmly, placing a hand on his cousin's shoulder.

"Now you're making me nervous," Amy replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Don't worry," Rio said soothingly. "I'll be right behind you during the show."

"Amy, Marie!" A cheerful voice called out from a short distance. Kagura, a lively young girl with an effervescent personality, bounded over and embraced Marie.

"Kagura!" Marie greeted, returning the hug with a genuine smile.

"Let's head to the holding area so we can rehearse before the show starts," Amy suggested, leading Kagura and Rio toward the backstage area. Marie and Ryoma remained in the lobby, where they continued their conversation.

"So, how's everything going with you?" Ryoma asked, leaning casually against a nearby pillar.

"Everything's fine," Marie said, trying to sound upbeat despite her lingering thoughts. "Just handling the usual workload."

"It's been a while since we last saw each other," Rio interjected, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Ryoma and I have been busy with the Intelligence unit and our roles at the Marino Corporation."

Their conversation was interrupted when Jasmine arrived in the lobby, accompanied by Rafael and their sisters, Kyoko and Rina. Jasmine's authoritative presence commanded immediate respect, while Rafael's casual demeanor contrasted sharply with his sisters' more intense attitudes.