The two ladies quickly garnered attention immediately as they walked into the lobby and headed towards the entrance. With each step Nathalia took, her wavy hair would sway and bounce as the wind ruffled the edge of her yellow layered dress. Even though Nathalia didn't mean to gain attention her beauty was already doing the job.The men they walked past had their eyes widened in bewilderment as they couldn't help but leered and took a second glance. They were all shamelessly drooling at the sight.Eva had a smirk on her face when she noticed the reaction of the people around them. She was too surprised since she was already used to these looks whenever she walked with Nathalia.While the two ladies chatted away, Eva was unaware that the men were actually staring and admiring the stunning beautiful woman beside the supermodel Natalia. Although Nathalia wasn't a woman whose beauty could be ignored, she was a seductress as many called her. However, the woman next to her was on another lev
An hour later, Nathalia had cleared almost two clothing sections for Eva and the hands of two sales attendants were already full. "Tilly, I think that's enough shopping for today. I'm already tired and it's not like I have a place to wear all this dress to." Eva expressed her thoughts. She tried to persuade her best friend to end this shopping hour and let them return back home."Enough? I'm just getting started and if you're tired just go and sit over there I'd do the rest of the shopping for you. We aren't leaving this place until I'm satisfied." Nathalia stubbornly refused as pointed in the direction of the small living room that was set in the boutique. "Besides, from now on you now have to go out with me, take it or leave it." She added, leaving now room for argument.Eva sighed again, she knew it would be impossible to persuade Nathalia anymore now that she is in her shopping mood.They kept walking around the boutique section, while Nathalia kept picking whichever clothes ca
Eva was taken aback when another hand suddenly grabbed the same purse. She was a little surprised when she raised her head up to look at the person who had also sighted the same purse as her.The person who had grabbed the purse was none other than Christine, her younger stepsister. When Christine and the other four ladies arrived at the bag section, they were happy to see that the boutique had some latest designs of bags and purses. While they were picking out the bag they preferred, Christine sighted the red Chanel purse that was placed separately from the other bag. She was captivated by the beauty of the purse. Most especially she was surprised that she was seeing that purse there, because she couldn't find that brand of purse in any boutique she went to.Without further delay, Christine immediately went towards the purse but she saw a hand grabbing the purse, she immediately grabbed it but to her surprise the person was a little bit faster than her. When she looked up to see
Sil was utterly frightened by Eva's demeanor but she couldn't back down because it would ruin her reputation and people in the boutique already had their attention on them."Yes, I am. What are going to do about it, huh? Did you think you still held the power you once had in the past" Sil confirmed that she was talking to Eva after regaining her composure.Eva scoffed when she heard Sil. She took a few steps but still maintained some distance between both of them. "Can you really handle the consequences of what I'm going to do to you? You should think very twice before starting a fire you can't put out. Unlike you I don't start shit but I'd gladly tell you how it would end." Eva gaze was so meanancing that Sil was forced to take a couple of steps backward."Sister, don't be offended at Sil instead it should be you should get angry at because Sil was only saying that protect me." Christine said from behind Eva."Christine!!" Trish yelled but Christine waved her hand to stop her."It's
"You're still such an ungrateful wench!" Reah yelled angrily."Ungrateful? Did I argue with her when we both grabbed the purse? Even though I was the first person to grab it first. I let it go but Christine kept trying to push it to me." Eva retorted back with a calm expression."What is all this ruckus about?" A voice bellowed loudly. Everyone turned around to see who it was this time around. The voice belonged to a man around his forties, everyone froze when they saw the man approaching. However, one would think they had that expression on their face because of the man who just spoke, they had their gaze locked on the man who was walking beside him wearing an expensive three-piece business suit with his hands inside the pocket of his trousers.The man who had caught everyone's attention was none other than Damien Cross. The Cross Enterprise had invested in a lot of business. Therefore, this is one of the boutique operating under one of Cross Enterprise subsidiaries. Damien was here
"Enough, you're just as pompous as you ever were but before you talk about our flaws then you should take a look at yourself and look where you ended up with all your knowledge. It doesn't seem like you ever learned about what happened to you in the past." Sil pointed out the fact, hoping that her words would tarnish Eva's confidence."It's very concerning when you couldn't spare your sister from your fury and bullied Christine when she was only trying to be nice to you." Reah remarked.Eva scoffed with a raised eyebrow, "I understand if you're trying to protect your friend. However, you should know that Christine would have been kneeling on the cold hard floor on her two knees and be in a pathetic state already if I was truly bullying her. You should be aware that isn't an understatement since I'm very famous for that and you have also experienced it for yourself in the past." Eva revealed, locking gaze up to Reah's face with an intimidating look. Reah gulped in fear, unable to say a
"I apologize that you had to endure that Miss Nathalia. It wasn't my intent that your friend would have to experience this kind of thing on her first visit to our stall. I'm sorry, Miss. Our staff should have handled the situation more effectively." The manager immediately apologized to Nathalia and Eva respectively."Oh, that's okay. Besides, those ladies have a lot of unsorted problems with me, since I've also not been a good influence. And, you don't have to get angry at Miss Maria because I was the one who told her not to interfere, she was only following my order." Eva stated. "O-of course, if it was your order she was following, I have no problem with that." The manager replied. Even if there was a problem he couldn't say it.He turned to look at Damien. "Mr Cross, please excuse me, I have to take care of some matters quickly." He requested.Damien nodded his head, giving him the permission to leave. "Thank you, Sir. Maria follows me." He thanked Damien before signaling Maria to
"You're indeed a crazy woman to have a lot of courage to say that and deny knowing me." His voice was so thick with restrained anger, no one had ever spoken like this and this Eva's second time speaking to him in such a casual manner. Nathalia nearly ran out of the boutique in fear, why did her cousin have to pick a fight with her best friend.But Eva was used to these types of men who thought that their intimidating and daunting stare could make a woman run for their life. All of the times Mark had glared and threatened her had toughened her skin. Eva was lethargic and apathetic to this kind of behavior.She can't deny the fact that this man did it better than Mark, but who cares?"I don't think I'm obliged to know you when I don't. As for the fact that called me a crazy woman, I will let it go this time." Eva remarked, ignoring the warning bell in her head and the obvious red flag waving in front of her.Nathalia stood frozen in shock. On one hand, she was extremely satisfied with w
“I... I’m starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling she’s trying to push me out of the competition,” Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Mark’s voice was low, filled with annoyance. “What do you mean, sabotage you? She’s already got the public on her side. What else does she want?”“I don’t know, Mark. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s behind some of the things happening to me lately,” Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. “She’s been getting more endorsements, more media attention... She’s always one step ahead, and I feel like she’s using me to boost her own career. Maybe she’s trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I don’t have a chance to win.”Mark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didn’t respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everett’s words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everett’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. “What are you going to do about her? She’s the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell she’s been pulling strings, trying to break you down.”Eva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. “I’m not sure yet. But Christine’s time is running out.” She gave a slight, bitter laugh. “I won’t let her destroy me.”Everett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. “Be careful, Eva,” she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. “Christine’s dangerous. And she’s got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.”Eva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everett’s words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christine’s smile faltered. “What is she doing here?”Before she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, we’re honored to have Eva here tonight.”Christine stiffened. “What? That’s impossible!”Eva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasn’t an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the room—and the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I don’t care what it takes—pull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.”Tanya hesitated. “Christine, are you sure about this? Maybe you should—”“Don’t question me!” Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. “Do you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I won’t even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!”Tanya sighed. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. You’re playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.”Christine scoffed. “Please. Eva won’t be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Eva’s reputation, she had only fueled the public’s admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.“Christine?”She turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trusted—or rather, tolerated—because she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christine’s side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.“Wh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everything—sabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumors—yet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didn’t work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldn’t hide behind shadows. She wouldn’t need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the media’s attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing this—his favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didn’t even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.“Christine, what is this?” His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. “A dinner. For us.”Mark scoffed, shaking his head. “A dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what I’ve been dealing with? My father’s furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.” His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. “And do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancée might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasn’t one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.“Why didn’t you ask for my help?” His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeper—something close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Because it was something I could handle,” she said simply. “Like always.”Damien’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. “And if you couldn’t?”Eva shrugged. “Then I would have asked. But it wasn’t time for that yet.”That answer didn’t satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “Eva—”“I know what you’re going to say,” she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. “You think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I don’t always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going home—where the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurking—was out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. “Eva.”Just her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said it—low, controlled, yet sharp with attention—that made her exhale slowly.“Hey,” she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, “What’s wrong?”She almost smiled. He always saw through her.“I can’t go home,” she admitted, rubbing her temple. “The reporters are camped outside. And after today’s interview… they’ll only get worse.”Damien didn’t answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. “Where are you?”“Penthouse suite at the Grand Royale,” she repli