Episode 9

Prince was elated.

What he cherished most was the unveiling of his creations. His joy and excitement were palpable as he anticipated the accomplishments ahead. Numerous celebrities eagerly awaited his latest designs. With autumn approaching, all expected warm and beautiful hues to adorn themselves in.

Inside, the brunet moved about, observing the flurry of activity and watching as many models prepared, including Taylor.

These were garments for adults; the baby clothing line was being reserved for a special occasion. He longed for Cassi to turn one so that, in some way, she could witness it all. Nonetheless, even though the kids' line was on hold, he continually crafted day-to-day outfits for her. Skilled with both pencil and needle, he refused to let her wear anything but his creations, just like her mother or Taylor did. He took pride in ensuring that his loved ones wore only the finest – Maiston once did too, but that time had passed.

He flitted from one detail to the next, readying everything meticulously. Good music filled the air alongside a runway broad and long enough for two people to stride down side by side.

No matter the season, Prince never shied away from the erotic and extravagant, yet he always infused each piece with that special touch people yearned for. He emerged, mingling with some guests and noting the presence of reporters everywhere. As ever, every seat was filled, bringing him delight; despite his year out of the limelight, people's trust in his work was unshaken.

He retreated to the back to better take in the entire scene and ensure everything was transpiring perfectly.

Expectation was palpable among the crowd, falling into hushed silence as the show commenced. Lights dimmed, and the music softened.

His shows typically featured a mini spectacle. Many singers had graced his runway, none ever declining, aware of his renown. A smile crossed his face as he saw who emerged at the far end in his newest attire. Applause erupted as the girl strutted down the runway looking stunning in an autumn-winter themed outfit: a short, vibrant red skirt paired with a fur coat over a sweater where each color was in harmony. The ensemble accentuated her beauty: her legs looked long and elegant, the coat was sizeable and stately, and the sweater flattered her ample chest.

This was the essence of Prince's brand – sexy clothing – and it was what people always anticipated. And so, in a way, he felt a tinge of nervousness about launching the baby line and whether it would be as well-received.

Singer Ariadna performed one of her latest hits as she sauntered along with grace and rhythm, her steps confident regardless of her high heels. As her performance wrapped up, others began their walks down the runway, showcasing their outfits.

His models were diverse in size, height, skin color, and nationality. Taylor typically walked either at the start or in the middle, and when he did, he was resplendent in a velvet jacket and a sheer sweater.

Prince watched everyone pass and couldn't help but notice the applause never seemed to diminish.

At the show's close, everyone stood, making their way to another setting for drinks and conversations about the showpieces, the proposals they intended to offer Prince, and more. He wove through the crowd, sought after for interviews. Stopping by Taylor, he embraced him, expressing gratitude for his excellent performance.

"No, thank you for giving me the job," said the Beta with a smile.

"If you're tired, you can head home and be with Cassi. Mom's alone, and I don't want her to worry too much, please."

The young man nodded.

"Sure, I'll change and then leave. You owe me a glass of champagne."

After bidding farewell, Prince readied himself for interviews when he heard his name called. He looked around until he saw a man approaching. He recognized him from somewhere but couldn't quite place him.

"Congratulations, the new collection is terrific," said the man.

"Thank you."

"You don't remember me, do you?" the blond man asked with a grin.

Prince tried to match a name to the face and, while he couldn't quite manage it, there was a hint of familiarity.

"You work with Maiston."

"Yes, though we've only done business dealings. I wanted to…"

"Prince, they're waiting for the interviews!" a woman called out.

"Excuse me, if you can wait about twenty minutes, we can talk again. Right now, I'm quite busy."

He left swiftly to face the throng of media that had been waiting for an interview after such a long time. He was well aware of the questions he was likely to face.

Taking his place at the front, seated behind a desk, he was momentarily blinded by the camera lights.

"Hello, can everyone hear me all right?"

All nodded.

"Before we start, I want to thank you all for being here. As you know, my shows are always special and attract a lot of attention. You, as members of the press, work tirelessly and often wait for hours, so please feel free to have something to eat afterward. Let's begin."

He signaled to a woman with dark hair when hands went up.

"Good afternoon, I'm Milena, and like everyone else here, I'd like to commend you on your new garments," she said with a smile before consulting her notebook. "You mentioned you were going to present something unique, your biggest endeavor yet, but in a previous interview, you noted a delay. Has there been a stumbling block that prevented you from achieving this feat?"

"Hello, Milena. Not at all. The reschedule was entirely personal as I don't want any of my shows to overshadow another. I long for each to be appreciated fully, ensuring people have the chance to enjoy them quite adequately, so no setbacks, just a desire for beauty and the chance for calm observation."

Milena nodded, and hands rose again.

"The gentleman with red hair," Prince announced.

"Good afternoon\, I'm Nicolas from *One* magazine. Congratulations on your new clothing line; we know you always put in considerable effort. However\, I want to focus on something else. What do you think about your ex-husband buying an expensive house for his partner in one of the city's most affluent districts? Do you think you deserved that more than his new partner?"

Prince fell silent for a few seconds, unaware of such news, and keen to avoid any questions about Maiston, although that was surely impossible.

After taking a sip of water, he answered with simplicity and poise.

"If I wanted a new house, I could buy ten simultaneously, next," he glanced around. "The lady with glasses."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Javiera. I loved the show, everything about it," she began with a smile.

"Thank you, Javiera, it makes me very happy. What's your question?"

"While many comment on how beautiful your models are and how they vary in physicality, none of them are Omegas. Do you feel threatened by Omegas in some way? Do you not want to draw attention to any Omega aside from yourself?"

The crowd was attentive, awaiting his response.

"Though it may surprise you, I've attempted to engage Omegas to model my clothing, yet they have declined. I don't seek well-known models; in fact, everyone is aware that my models started as ordinary people, never aspiring to model. And I don't plan on hiring established Omegas from elsewhere. If, at some point, one chooses to accept, then they'll be welcomed."

"Does this mean you're only looking for people in need?" another interjected abruptly.

"I'm searching for individuals with necessities, those who deserve a chance," he clarified firmly. "I'm looking to help others, no need to put words in my mouth. Next."

Hands shot up again, and Prince gestured to a slightly graying man.

"My name's Raul from Siete News. After a long absence, why the seclusion? Was it truly an illness or were you evading debts owed to your ex-husband?"

They seemed to fabricate so much. Prince couldn't help but smile.

"In matters of debt, the only one who might owe me is him for defaming my reputation and emotional harm."

"He's repeatedly claimed he left you due to abuse. What 'abuse' are you referencing?"

Prince looked at the man, almost wishing to hurl the table at him, but instead, he sighed, unwilling to let his composure falter against those seeking to provoke a story.

"If he speaks of abuse, what abuse does he refer to? Describe them, so I might answer as you wish. Otherwise, let's have a truly worthwhile question."

He grew frustrated, a feeling he didn't want. He knew the media's game, their disregard for dignity in favor of a story. He was ready to just leave and end the interview when he noticed a kind-looking girl raising her hand.

Granting her the floor, he hoped for a more pleasant query.

"Hello\, I'm Sofia from *Glamour* magazine. Congratulations on another career milestone. My question is\, what was the inspiration for this collection? We're aware of your penchant for erotic and extravagant themes\, often highlighted with specific colors\, but what prompted the decision to forego black this year\, especially when it's a favorite for your lingerie?"

He smiled, finally receiving a question he enjoyed.

"Hello, Sofia, and thank you for your kind words and for posing a truly interesting question. As you've noted, I favor certain colors, but it occurred to me there were shades I'd never explored. Thus, I boldly switched black for sky blue. If it's well-received, and it seems so, I'll continue experimenting with different colors for future collections."

Sofia nodded, paving the way for another inquiry.

"I'm Kevin from Famous & Powerful. There are rumors you're working on a hotel left to you by your ex-husband and that you intend to transform it into a motel. Do you believe you're qualified for such a venture? Isn't it a leap into the unknown going from renowned designer to motel owner?"

"Hello, Kevin. There are no limits to what one can do; the only person who sets limits for me is myself. Personally, I believe I am qualified for many things, including overcoming ten more divorces if no one can keep up or tame me."

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