Damien didn't place his cellphone down after he hung up the call with Edwin. Instead, he dialed another number.Meanwhile, Shane was laying down on his bed at his apartment sleeping with a small peaceful smile on his face. He was glad that today was Friday which means that he was going to two days of peaceful sleep and no working. Shane was always the happiest on Fridays because he knew that he would have no work to do for his cold boss in the next two days.Just as Shane was reminiscing gently in his sleep, his cell phone went off on the bedside table next to him. He let out a small groan and reached out for his cellphone, already used to his phone, he picked the call without glancing at the caller's ID.“Hello?" Shane groggily answered.“I need you to find the best dress designer in the country and send a dress to Evangeline Carter's apartment tomorrow.” Damien's cold voice sounded from the phone.Hearing his Boss voice, Shane quickly removed the eyemask from his face and glanced at
That was true, she was the same famous designer Mark had hired to make Christine's dress. After she had made Christine's dress first and had it delivered to her, she suddenly came up with a better way to design and make the dress look stunning but it was too late because she had given the first dress to Christine. Not wanting her fresh design to go to waste, the designer decided to remake the dress in the style of the new design she thought about. She planned to resend this new design of dress to Christine after she completed it. However, looking at the situation on ground, she couldn't agree more with her assistant and decided to send this dress to Shane. Although both the dress she had made now and the one she sent to Christine look exactly the same, there was only a slight difference in this new dress she made that the one she sent to Christine didn't have. Moreover, the designer thought that sending this new dress to Shane would solve her problem and also she was sure that it wou
Eva suddenly thought of something. “Didn't you have a dress delivered to me?" She questioned immediately."No, I didn't.” Nathalia curtly replied when she heard Eva's question. Eva let out a sigh and rubbed her forehead after hearing Nathalia's sharp response. “I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that it was you who sent the dress." Eva muttered silently to herself but Nathalia heard her clearly.“Did you receive a dress?” Nathalia suddenly asked. “Ah, yes I did. One of the apartment workers came to deliver a package to me but judging from the look of the package, I can tell that it's a dress and the first person that came to my mind was you. I knew you were not really satisfied with the dress we had bought yesterday.” Eva explained to Nathalia about what happened. Nathalia frowned at Eva's explanation. “Then who would have sent the package to you out of nowhere?” Nathalia inquired. She didn't have someone send a dress to Eva. It was true that she wasn't satisfied with the dr
The following day, which was mainly the big day of the Grason Patriarch's birthday. Eva woke up later than expected due to the fact that she wasn't a person who wakes up early and she had spent her quality time watching movies till it was late last night. Eva, who had forgotten what plan she had today, lazily rolled over on her side and slowly opened her eyes and glanced at the clock. “The party!" Eva suddenly remembered that today was the party. She immediately spring up in the bed, removing the bed cover off her body and climbing out of the bed upon realizing it was already late in the afternoon which meant she had very little time to get ready.“Damn sleep! Damn you too Eva!" Eva berated herself for waking up late again, she ought to fix her sleeping habit of waking up late.Pacing back and forth in her room, arranging the messy bed. She had less than three hours before the banquet and she hadn't gotten dressed.“Ouch!" Eva let out a loud groan of pain when she suddenly hit her l
Nathalia, who was just walking out of the bathroom dressed in a white bathrobe and a big towel in her hand that she was using to dry her wet hair, heard her phone buzzing on the bedside table. She walked over and picked up her phone and saw that it was text from Eva. “She is still worried about me in this situation." Nathalia muttered after reading Eva's message and typed a reply on her phone.[Nathy: it's nothing serious, you don't have to be worried.] Nathy sent her reply. She had already confirmed with Edwin when she saw Eva's first message and Edwin had assured her that he would be at the party. Although Nathalia was a little bit guilty for lying to her best friend, she had no choice. However, Nathalia wasn't aware of the changes in Eva's date to the party.A few moments later, her phone buzzed again with another notification message. [Eva: But I have a car. So why are you sending a car over to pick me up?] Nathalia paused, not knowing what to reply. She hadn't ordered any car t
“You mean the same Evangeline Carter? The vixen who was known as the Queen of the socialites?" One of the other women in the group asked in confirmation by addressing Eva by one of the nicknames she was given. “Who else if not her?" The first lady replied, her eyes sparkling with gossip.“I thought that venomous woman was dead or something?" A lady in the group suddenly chirped into the conversation, making the other women turn their heads to look at her with a surprised look on their faces. It was obvious that they were all taken aback by her words. “My gosh! Why did you make a remark like that?" One woman, who was quicker to regain her composure than the rest, couldn't help but question. Yes, they all have their dislikes towards Eva but saying something like that in the public was too much.“What? You can't blame me for thinking that way! That crazy bit*h has been absent or seen anywhere for the past nine months and there was no news about her. So I thought she might have committe
When the car in front of her Rolls Royce finally drove away, Eva knew that it was her turn to climb out of the car. She warily glanced at the red carpet before rolling her eyes. The minute her car drove to the start of the red carpet, the camera turned their attention and zoomed into the expensive car.Everyone was curious to see who would be the dazzling man or woman that would be stepping out of such a wealthy and expensive car. They held their breath in anticipation when the chauffeur stepped out of the car. Even the driver looked handsome and well-built! Then the person sitting in the car must have been someone extremely influential!The chauffeur used his built body to block the people's view and then opened the back seat door slightly. “Are you ready, Ma'am?" He asked, still using his body to block off the bright flashes from the camera. He had noticed the nervous look on Eva's face earlier, that was why he wanted to confirm if Eva was ready before he opened the door.“I'm ready
“That was a close call, Eva.’ Eva scolded herself in her head for nearly reverting back to her old habit. She was very aware of this fact more than anyone else that she needed to stay awake, sober and conscious in this very dangerous social gathering.Just when she was about to walk away from the addicting drinks and remain empty handed, the server boy spoke to her. “Ma'am, if you are trying to look for something soft to drink, then you can go over there.” The boy said, it was as if he knew what Eva meant when she dropped the alcohol on his tray. Besides, they have been given a order that everyone at the party should always have a drink in their hand because the Grason patriarch doesn't want rumors escalating after the party that there were some guests that weren't served before they left. That was the sole reason the server spoke to her. Eva turned to look at the server who was pointing to a table where different kinds of drinks were placed. However, she raised her brow because the
“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