A few minutes back,
The time was nearing for Aria's entry, Alan and Vince got busy with checking the social media reaction after everyone congratulated Aria as Alia, the designer of the brand Alia.
A faint smile appeared on Alan's face seeing people break down Alia as Aria and Alan, calling themselves idiots for not identifying it for so long. Vance was surprised by the couple's fans and Alia's fans being so positive and admiring Aria for her works managing the company.
Both didn't notice when Elder Fang stood up and retreated backside to the darkness. It was only when Emcee welcomed Aria, both men raised their heads to see grim Elder Fang looking right side waiting for Aria to join. Then both understood why Elder Fang didn't release any statement, instead, he wanted to show to the world he supported the right one.
"Why little one isn't joining?" Vince asked, seeing the furrows on his grandfather's forehead.
Alan guessed knowing about Aria well, "She is waiting for grandfather Fang's response." Vince didn't understand but kept his eyes at the entrance hoping his grandfather's temper stay put and answer to whatever she was asking.
As Alan guessed, Aria was waiting for Elder Fang's response to her simple question, "Why do I have this privilege of you walking the ramp with me? Is it because of Alan and Brother Vince? Or do I hold any talent?"
She doesn't want to use the ladder to get more famous at the international level. Unless she is capable of it, she was willing to go through all the hardships.
Aria didn't react even when Rose hid behind her to avoid Elder Fang's eyes which were scary and sharp, enough to pierce through the soul. However, Levi was unperturbed knowing Aria's work ethics well.
Elder Fang really commended her, whoever met him asked for a single public appearance to hit the fame but here she was strongly objecting if he was trying to do a favor. He still tested, "Is it necessary? Every designer wants fame to sustain in the industries."
Aria didn't show her bulb of anger and threw her counter, "Then walk yourself. Take the fame as Alia." She controlled herself from walking away gazing right into Elder Fang's eyes which were trying to scare her. She might be afraid of him but she would never leave her principles and way of work.
Elder Fang smirked, causing astonishment to whoever watched him. His voice turned doting from aloof, "Let me have the honor to walk the designer Alia and introduce her to the world."
Aria got the answer to her question so naturally, a smile appeared on her face looking at his curled lips that reached his eyes. The first time she saw the gentle side of Elder Fang in more than six and a half years.
Aria stepped into the spotlight and held the hand of Elder Fang's who hooked her hand to his arm faced ahead. His assistant took his cane before they walked the ramp where all were astonished beyond measure.
Many had almost thought of Elder Fang as Alia until the young woman came to their vision. They couldn't believe she was capable of impressing him to the extent he was walking her to the fashion world.
Aria had the faint smile speaking of professionalism while Elder Fang's face had returned to stoic with his sharp eyes recording everyone's reaction. Now with his unsaid statement, nobody would dare to bully her or think of replicating her designs to claim as theirs.
...
After a pretty long interview, Aria laid on the bed of a hotel suite and whined. "I don't want to attend the party." They hadn't gone to Vince's mansion to avoid unnecessary back and forth travel and stayed in the hotel where Levi and Rose had stayed the previous day.
Alan quickly completed some work on his laptop and went to her but to see her dozed off. He gently helped her sleep on her side and covered her with a comforter without waking her up.
---
In the evening,
Alan helped her get ready in her silver sparkly loose-fitting short dress, blow-dried straight silky long hair and big chunky silver earrings. He saw her pouting while wearing her ankle strap rhinestones flat shoes.
'Ahh, I miss my heels.' She thought and urged Alan to get ready, "Now please go and get ready."
Alan was at a loss for word when she was made sure his finger ring was more obvious on his finger to make sure all others maintain distance from him...
Soon the couple went to the party hall below the rooftop where most of the guests were already present. Aria saw Vince in her chosen clothes, white shirt, grey plaid pants, maroon blazer, brown loafers matching the blazer.
Aria remarked, seeing his four buttons open showing off his brawny chest, "Somebody is trying to rewrite a sexy style statement."
Vince smiled for the compliment holding whisky in his hand and pointed at Alan, "Before that, your husband will chop me into pieces."
Aria glanced at Alan who was looking at her hearing her compliment a man as sexy when he was standing right there. She continued hooking her arm with his, "My husband is born with sophistication. He will be elegant, refined, charming to sweep all the girls off the floor."
Alan was in cocktail navy blue, three-piece tuxedo. The single button of the blazer was made of gold with his five buttons vest and cufflinks accentuating his V sculpted body. Style, luxury, and grace adorned his aloof face.
Vince knows she masters in taming Alan's every mood so he motioned for her to enter the party hall cuing Alan that everything is under control.
Aria was pretty famous after the fashion show so most of the attendees weren't only aware of Alia, the designer, they were also completely aware of Aria Cooper, the ruthless businesswoman who doesn't think twice to push anybody aside without caring about their name or fame.
All were expecting her in an oh-so-gorgeous dress by herself but not the simple short dress complimenting her husband flawlessly. If anybody had thought she was boring in jeans and layers of clothes in the fashion show, were gulping looking at her slender spotless legs on ballerina flats, impressive on their own. Yet, no dared to hover their eyes on her while the cold demon was right next to her.
The long party ended with a large connection, numerous invites for fashion weeks, guest appearance requests, plenty of requests for collaboration, and many business deals.
Nobody got the inkling that she was pregnant with twins seeing her professional and untired the whole time when Alan or Vince meticulously controlled if anybody even tried to scrutinize her from top to toe.
Alan finally let out a deep long sigh seeing her reach the peaks in what she loved. Now their next step is to safely welcome their twin babies hoping they will be healthy and also prepared mentally to nurse them to health if there's really a problem.