The second collection of the Lumière brand, "Twilight," was officially released.

On the day of the release, sales began simultaneously online and offline.

The results exceeded everyone's expectations.

Within ten minutes of opening online, sales on the flagship store surpassed one million euros.

Physical stores saw long queues, and many styles sold out on the very first day.

On social media, the hashtag #LumiereTwilightCollection# surged onto the trending topics.

Fashion bloggers poured in with reviews, filled with glowing praise.

"The design is absolute perfection, minimalist yet high-end, and the value for money is incredible!"

"Who is the founder of this brand? So much talent!"

"I heard the founder is the Duchess of Valentino? Is that true?"

"It's true! She is no mere trophy wife; she's a genuine business prodigy!"

Overnight, public perception completely inverted.

Those who previously claimed her funds were "unclean" or that she was "riding the Duchess's coattails for resources" fell silent.

Data does not lie.

A new brand, two collections, with cumulative sales surpassing ten million euros.

This could not be achieved simply by leeching off resources.

This was true capability.

Within elite aristocratic circles, evaluations of Isolde quietly shifted as well.

"I used to think she was just a substitute, but it turns out she actually has real skills."

"Duke Valentino marrying her is a blessing he must have cultivated over several lifetimes."

"I heard she single-handedly resolved the Valentino Group's supply chain crisis. Impressive."

"A woman like this—who wouldn't admire her?"

The former "substitute Duchess" had now become the "benchmark of independent women."

Isolde's name carried genuine weight within the upper echelons.

When Cesare saw Lumière's sales figures, he was in the middle of a high-level corporate meeting.

His assistant quietly handed him a brief report.

Cesare glanced at it, his pupils contracting slightly.

Ten million euros?

Two collections?

He put down the report and continued the meeting, but his mind had already drifted far away.

This woman...

He had always assumed her "entrepreneurship" was just a pastime.

Now it appeared her pastime generated better performance than many brands under his own corporate umbrella.

After the meeting concluded, Cesare returned to his office.

He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the city skyline, silent for a long time.

Then, he picked up his phone and dialed Isolde's number.

"Hello?" Isolde's voice carried a hint of fatigue.

"Your new series is selling well." Cesare's tone feigned casualness.

"Thank you." Isolde's voice remained calm. "Anything else? I'm busy."

"……Nothing."

The call disconnected.

Listening to the dial tone, the corners of Cesare's mouth curled upward involuntarily.

This woman was always busy.

Always independent of his help.

Yet for some reason, he increasingly wanted to make her need him.