“Really? When I was becoming a model in the first place, you were never there as my support. I have to face the harsh and cruel world all alone without my so-called family. So if Christine wants to get half of the fame and popularity that I possess, tell her to stop running back to daddy and complaining every time things don't go her way because if it's not me she would handle it herself." She coldly replied back to him. "Don't drag your sister into your mess, Evangeline. Christine asked for my permission when she wanted to become a model unlike you so I have to give her my full support.” Matthew defended himself. "I don't expect you to remember when I asked for your permission. But if that is the case then I see no reason why I should tell you my decision to return since I haven't asked the first time as well. Besides, we have never sat down together as a father and daughter to discuss what my personal decision was, it was always what you wanted. That one-sided decision you make, c
"Yup, you always remind me that I caused what happened at the wedding. Thank you for reminding me once again. Also stop using my disappearance as an excuse because if I didn't disappear you wouldn't check up on me in any way.” Eva coldly retorted back. “You……. Anyways, as I was saying before. You can't remain single like this and cause trouble around. You've had enough time to heal from what happened to you so move on. And that is where we can discuss matters about the dates you had.”Matthew said, choosing to ignore Eva and go straight to the point. “What date?" She asked, with a clueless brow raised up. “Do not play games with me, Evangeline! You know exactly what I'm talking about.” Matthew glared at her. “I don't. If you are not ready to tell me then we have no discussion." She stubbornly told him while crossing her arm in front of her chest. ‘If only weren't useful for me.’ Matthew thought in his mind as he looked at Eva. “I'm talking about your dates you had recently.” He f
"To who?" Eva seethed, her voice like icy death. "Lucas Sander. Your date." Matthew didn't waste his time and told her. ‘Asshole.’ A string of curses drifted through her head, none of which left her mouth. Eva glowered at her father with sheer hatred. She wished a hole would open up and swallow him whole. How could he have not consulted her when making such a horrible decision??? She opened her lips, but closed them. She needed a minute to breathe. Or else, she was going to curse him, his ancestors, and his entire livelihood. Once she had a slippery grasp of her sanity, she cleared her throat. "Did you publicly announce this yet?" Eva demanded, trying her hardest to keep her emotions in control. But all she wanted to do was chuck a glass of water at him. Matthew was impressed because he thought Eva was already starting to agree with him which he thought was a good thing. "I haven't announced this decision yet," Matthew stated. "But your husband's family has already agre
“When will you stop all this annoying attitude of yours? Lucas is the supposed victim of your affair, Eva, for your relationship with him was announced first," Matthew said, raising his voice a bit. "Those pictures of your museum date—" "Might as well have been posted by you or Laura." Eva seethed, her heart thundering from the tension. “Laura did what she knew was best for you as your mother. And she is still doing what's best for you, that's why she brought up this idea." Matthew stated, sighing and rubbing his forehead. “Laura? Tsk……I knew you couldn't come up with all this bullshit all alone without being instigated by that Mistress. I'm warning you father, tell that woman you call her to stop meddling in my business.” “I told you she is not a mistress!" Matthew lost his cool and slammed his hand on the table in anger. “She is the woman that you were in an affair with when you were still married to my mother. She will remain a mistress to me no matter what.” Eva retorte
“Okay. But why is your work schedule starting soon?" "I know but I was told that Bling’s New Product Launch is just around the corner." Eva explained to Damien. "Damien, give me a little more time. I will definitely climb to a position that will make you proud." She added with a determined smile on her face. "I've never doubted you," Damien said as he placed food on Eva's plate. Eva gave him a thank you smile before turning her attention back to her food. Just like that the two of them engaged in a little conversation which ended up enlightening her mood. ********** The contract signing ceremony with Bling corporation and HB Industry was to be held at 10am. The entire process was broadcast live and announced to the public. It could be considered Bling’s vote of support for Eva and Christine's battle. After four years, Eva had indeed forgotten what it felt like to attend a signing event. But, as soon as she put on ths white backless mermaid dress and wore the jewelry sp
Afterwards, Eva boarded the car with Gwen's help after bidding Damien goodbye. Damien turned and glanced at the head security, who was standing a few meters away. “Get two.cars.of.your best men to follow my wife." He instructed the head security while glancing one more time at Eva’s car that was driving away. “Yes, boss." The head security nodded his head in understanding. “Make sure she doesn't notice your presence as well." Damien added before walking towards his own car as well. He knew Eva's background and was aware of the fact that she can easily detect if she's being followed by his men. The last thing he needed was another argument between him and Eva even though he knew she was still playing him. On the way, Gwen said as the chauffeur drove, "The signing time is 10am, we will arrive at around 9:50 am. Not too early, not too late, perfect." "Your arrangements have never been a problem," Eva replied as she lowered her head as she swiped through her phone. “Eva, did you h
“Well, after signing the contract you have a flight that is already scheduled for you at 3pm. You should also be aware that Christine’s damned manager has arranged for anti-fans to wait for you at the airport. From what I can see, in her fan club, in order to slander you, they have arranged everything in an orderly manner. Some are responsible for taking photos and uploading them to the trending topics, some are specifically looking for an opportunity to make a move on you to embarrass you and some are pretending to be passersby to confuse bystanders." Gwen snorted disdainfully after giving Eva the necessary information. This was the behavior of a group of primary school students. But, it was also because of this that the behavior of primary school students brought the most harm to others. "How did you know all this?" Eva asked, finally raising her head up to look at Gwen in disbelief. "It's because I have an alternate account there..." Gwen snorted proudly, "Let the kids have fun..
“Gwen, why are two company cars following behind us?" Eva asked when she noticed the two black cars she recognized as Elite Entertainment cars following them. "Eva, I've told boss Kai about this, so he also wants a few company bodyguards to escort us.” Gwen explained to Eva. Of course, she wouldn't keep her mouth shut after she figured out some dangerous plot against Eva. " Is that really needed?” Eva questioned again, making Gwen snap her head to look at her " Don't joke around. This is more than needed. I will do my best to protect you. You also need to protect yourself at this point Eva, so don't slack when you get to the airport because we've got prey to avoid.” Gwen remarked. "Gwen, what do you think? Did you think I wasn't prepared in the first place? Don't worry, by now I already know that I'm attracted to trouble." Eva replied while maintaining her calm smile. Now that everything was within their control, what was there to be afraid of? Four years ago, she had already
“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