Dear Journal,

I'm a new man.

The new and improved Alexander Lyon.

The past week has been a whirlwind of chaos and stress. Ever since my designs were leaked, I've been working furiously to create a new portfolio. My office is a battleground, papers scattered everywhere, fabrics and sketches piled high. My team is under immense pressure, with everyone pushing their limits to meet the impossible deadline. Every stitch, fabric choice, dye, and sequin makes the difference between success and failure.

Carla had to postpone her second honeymoon, pulling overtime.

I can't remember the last time I felt so frantic. (Perhaps when I was in design school?) Every moment is consumed with the urgency of the task at hand. It's as if the entire weight of the fashion world is resting on my shoulders, and there's no room for error. I am not supposed to make errors, my father had been particular about that.

I'm certain that half my colleagues are afraid to talk to me. I don't blame them. I'm basically a fire-breathing dragon.

Carla had to stop me from scolding the interns. I don't scold. I just verbally eviscerate people when they make stupid mistakes.

Amid this storm, my assistant practically shoved May into my office. I was about to snap, but seeing her had an immediate effect. Carla, my ever-attentive colleague, gave me a thumbs-up from behind May, her expression a mix of relief and encouragement as she closed the door.

May stood there, a steadying presence in the chaos, and I felt a wave of calm wash over me. I had to put my feet on the ground or else I would've hugged her. "

Alexander, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice steady.

I had glanced down at her fingertips which were now red as she picked at them. The gold rings on her hands glinted as the sun cast a golden glow through the high-rise windows.

It's one of the moments I'll replay for the rest of my life.

I swear my heart has never beat so fast.

"What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my tone professional despite the turmoil inside me.

I had to play it cool. All my scheming had led to this very moment, I couldn't afford a single misstep. I had sent her an anonymous envelope about all the first I had on James; every case of fraud, every design he had taken credit for, and every assistant that had complained to HR only to be dismissed unceremoniously.

All it took to get May on my side was a few compliments and a well-placed seed of doubt.

Now she's exactly where I need her to be.

"I quit my job at Tesoro," she said, her eyes unwavering.

For a moment, I was speechless. It takes a lot to make me of all people speechless

Delight surged through my veins like heroin, but I kept a straight face. "May, that's incredible news. I'm delighted."

She smiled, a cheeky glint in her eye. "I hope that your offer is still there?"

'We could use someone like you here. Would you consider joining us?

"Well, I suppose I could. If you think you can handle me."

I laughed, the tension easing from my shoulders. "I think we'll manage just fine. Welcome aboard, May."

I called in my secretary, instructing her to escort May to her new desk. As she left, I felt a surge of optimism. Amid the chaos and pressure, May's decision to join us was a beacon of hope.

Her talent and spirit would be invaluable, and her presence was already making a difference.

Take that, James! I could imagine him now, stewing in his office and gritting his teeth. May must've been ruthless when she left, cutting him deep. Good, he deserved it.

With renewed energy, I dove back into my work.

The task ahead was still daunting, but with May on the team, I felt more confident than I had in days. Together, we would face this challenge, and I was certain that, with her help, we would create something truly extraordinary.

Karma is one hell of a drug,

Much to do,

- Alexander