“Yes, he is my father's personal assistant.” The child nodded and answered to Eva's question.Hearing Eva voice the man turned to her direction and noticed that a woman was sitting beside the young master. “Ha, I'm sorry Miss. My attention wasn't at your side, you must be the Miss I spoke with earlier. Thank you very much for looking after the young master for us.” The man looked at Eva and bowed his head in gratitude at her. If not because Eva had called them, it was likely that they wouldn't be able to find the young master by now. “It's okay, I wasn't the one that found him. He was sitting here alone so I decided to call you and inform you. You guys should just keep a watch on him properly next time.” Eva remarked with a wave of her hand, she couldn't take the credits of what she didn't do. “Thank you, Miss. And on behalf of my Boss and the old master, please take this card and call our company tomorrow. We would like to compensate you for your help.” The man brought out a busine
“I knew that before I called you. Don't worry about me, I just need to know what happened to you that had you in such a bad mood this afternoon.” Nathalia stubbornly refused and urged Eva to talk.“It was nothing much, I just got into another annoying and frustrating conversation with Matthew Carter. He called to pester me about the date but the conversation didn't start or end in an easy way, I was a little bit pissed off that's why I called you but I'm over it now.” Eva briefly explained to Nathalia.“That bas……anyway when exactly it that date of ours?” Nathalia asked, she was about to call Matthew a ‘Bastard’ but she controlled herself. She knew how brain damaging it was whenever Eva spoke to him.Eva held back her laughter because she could imagine the kind of expression on Nathalia's face at the moment. It was good to have someone to have your back at times.“The date is tomorrow, but I have no idea when it was or where the date is set.” Eva replied.“What so quick, so you're goi
********Eva stared out of the car window, well dressed guests strutted in and out of the exquisite and luxurious hotel where a beautiful water fountain greeted the cars of the guests and a golden carpet was laid out on the ground.“Miss, we are there.” The driver announced them arriving at her destination.Eva nodded slightly and paid the driver his money before she opened the car and placed one foot out gently, then the other and climbed out of the car. At this point, it has always been a habit for Eva to always elegantly exit. The minute she exited the car, Eva was forced to remember her roots. No matter how far she runs, no matter how she changes for the better, no matter her current lifestyle, she will never be able to run and hide away from the fact that she would always be the eldest daughter of the Carter family.Stepping out of the taxi, Eva was beginning to garner the attention of a few onlookers. Because the hotel was really popular and famous among the socialites, the peo
Eva's head immediately snapped up and she peered at him innocently, like a naive dove. Seeing her reaction, Damien suddenly felt tense which stimulated him far too much.“Are you stalking me?” Eva gawked at him. This was the second time she was running into him, anytime she was outside.Damien rubbed his thumb across his watch, releasing a haunty breath. Eva stomach knotted at the sound, her heart skipping a beat when his lips curled up in slight amusement. “And what prospect do you have for me to stalk you?” Damien taunted, his voice smooth as silk but extremely cold as ice.The corner of her eyes twitched uncontrollably when she heard Damien's response. “Don't you have any other nice and creative lines?” Eva mumbled.Damien narrowed his gaze, sending chills down Eva's spine. Yet, her face went red when he tucked his hand inside the front pocket of his trouser, observing her.He stared intently at her outfit and he couldn't help but wonder what she was doing in a hotel, all alone, a
Finally, Eva saw a small sign that pointed towards the hotel restaurant, she hurried down the corridor and skipped through the long line ignoring the stares that were thrown at her.“Good afternoon, Ma'am. Do you have a reservation?” The hostess at the front counter asked, offering the guest a professional warm smile. She had briefly skimmed through Eva's outfit, she has been working here for a while and could instantly smell money from afar. Right now, Eva seems to be made of it.“I don't.” Eva curtly replied. She had no idea who made the reservation, Laura didn't tell her anything about making a reservation. Her words immediately caused the women by the entrance to giggle and gossip. “Hah, I thought she was some big shot seeing her dress so expensively but she can't get in.” “The reservation wait-list here is two months, there is no way she can get in. Did she think this place is just some regular restaurant?” The women laughed to themselves, clearly not knowing who Eva was and he
“Sir, please let go of my hand.” Eva frowned and glared up at him.“Why should I? You always look like you're about to pounce me like a wild cat?” Damien mused. Eva unconsciously touched her face. ‘I plan on doing that if I don't get your hands on me!’ she thought when she realized that she had a scowl on her face.“Am I so handsome that you don't want to stay close to me?” Damien asked, his words were supposed to sound like a tease but he appeared as serious as a statue. Damien was not the kind to tease or crack jokes for someone, so everything that came out of his mouth was always serious.Eva blinked up at him. This arrogance he possessed was really starting to infuriate Eva. “Sorry to disappoint you, but you're so ugly and it hurts my eyes so much that's why I want to get away from you.” Eva replied bluntly as she stared directly at him, hoping that he would be discouraged by her words. Too bad for her, his eyes flashed with amusement. Damien was intrigued by her, not because of
“Evangeline, right?” The man remarked, revealing a gently friendly smile. Eva was a little bit surprised, because she was expecting the man Laura would set her up with would be bad tempered. However, this man seemed harmless, with his soft eyes, well-kept hair and handsome features. “My apologies, I should have waited for you by the door, instead of sitting down first.” Her blind date explained, placing a hand on his chest. “I’m sorry for the late introduction, my name is Lucas.” “Eva. Evangeline is too long.” Lucas smiled immediately widened when he heard Eva.“Is the restaurant not to your liking? How about we go to another place which you might find comfortable.” Lucas suggested, he had no idea why Eva wanted to leave the restaurant.Eva was appreciative that he didn't judge or get annoyed by the fact that she denied him earlier. She liked his manners and decided to humor Laura who had set the date. After all, she had a mission to come here . Besides, she was yet to bring out th
“So I heard you were a model from your stepmother?” Lucas suddenly asked, finally deciding to make small talk and change the awkward atmosphere when noticed that Eva was barely saying anything about herself. He tried to ask her questions about herself instead.“That was a long time ago.” Eva replied with a dry tone.She secretly hates the idea that Laura had to cast about her before her to Lucas. ‘Is that bitch trying to even annoy me from afar?’ “Is that so,” Lucas lightly laughed. “Honestly, I expected you to be part of the prestigious business women in the country considering how influential the Carter family are.”Eva paused her lips into a thin line, trying her best to hide her disgust at his words. It seems like he had no idea about her business skill she had to learn after she quit modeling.“Not everyone wants to be an uninspired, unimaginative, ready-made heir.” Eva retorted back bluntly as she pushed the strand of her hair behind her ear.Lucas was taken aback in surprise b
Eva sighed, but she maintained her composure. “That’s not true,” she said firmly. “I have nothing but respect for your designs and what you’ve achieved in this industry.”Victoria raised an eyebrow. “And you expect me to take your word over hers?”Eva met her gaze, unflinching. “Yes. But I also believe actions speak louder than words. Let me prove my sincerity by working with you on something that reflects your vision entirely.”Victoria’s expression softened slightly. “So you’re proposing a collaboration—on my terms?”Eva nodded. “I want to respect your artistry, not overshadow it. Whatever you need, I’m here to deliver.”Victoria hummed thoughtfully, tapping her fingers against the table.Eva arched her brow. “What? You think I’m lying?”“No, I can tell you’re being sincere.” Victoria leaned back, crossing her arms. “I was just wondering how you managed to be such a bitch last night, and now here you are, offering me a deal. It’s like you’re two completely different people. My frien
After the dinner, Eva sat in her dressing room, her expression calm but her mind sharp with suspicion. Gwen and Trix stood nearby, sensing the shift in her mood.“Something’s off,” Eva finally said, leaning back on the couch. “Victoria was completely different tonight. I’m sure Christine is behind this.”Trix frowned, scrolling through her tablet. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Christine’s tricks are anything but subtle.”“She must have fed Victoria something damaging,” Gwen added. “Victoria isn’t the type to act on baseless rumors unless she was nudged in the right direction.”Eva scoffed. “I expected Victoria to be more rational than to fall for empty gossip.”“Well, think about it,” Gwen countered, crossing her arms. “Victoria has never met you before. If she treated you that way tonight, then someone must’ve gotten to her first. And given the way you reacted, it only reinforced whatever she was told.”Eva arched a brow. “What? You wanted me to play nice and kiss up to her? If she wa
Two days after Christine’s meeting with Victoria, the pre-collaboration dinner finally arrived.Victoria moved through the room with an air of grace, greeting the models with warm professionalism. Even Christine received a polite smile, which only fueled her satisfaction—Victoria had clearly taken the bait.“It looks like she believed everything you told her,” Tanya murmured under her breath as she stood beside Christine, observing Victoria’s interactions.Christine smirked, keeping her expression composed. “Patience. She may have bitten, but we need to see how deep the hook is.” Her gaze swept the room, searching for Eva. She had expected her sister to make an entrance by now, yet there was no sign of her.“Where is Evangeline?” Christine’s voice carried a hint of irritation.“That evil woman is over there,” Tanya scoffed, tilting her head toward the center of the room.Christine followed her line of sight and found Eva effortlessly commanding attention. She was surrounded by a group
The buzz of an elite designer collaboration filled the industry. Working with the renowned designer Victoria Byrd wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a privilege. Known for her impeccable artistry and influence, Victoria's approval could make or break a model's reputation.For Eva, the collaboration was an exciting opportunity, not that she needed it for any particular reason. She just wanted to get her hands on the opportunity so that Christine doesn't. Moreso, Victoria admired professionalism and authenticity, two traits Eva embodied. However, Christine saw it as yet another chance to undermine Eva.“Tanya, get me an appointment with Victoria Byrd,” Christine ordered as she set her phone down with a decisive click.Tanya blinked in surprise before furrowing her brows. “Victoria Byrd? Why do you suddenly want to meet with her?”Christine let out a scoff, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. “What do you think? To put my plan into motion, of course. I’m not about to let this gol
The studio was buzzing with energy two days later. The collaboration project had reached its most critical stage—a high-profile photoshoot for a luxury fashion campaign. Every detail, from the lighting to the wardrobe, had been meticulously planned to create a series of iconic images.Eva arrived early, as always, her posture radiating quiet confidence. She greeted the team warmly, moving through the studio with a calm authority that put everyone at ease. Her reputation for professionalism preceded her, and she intended to keep it that way.“Miss Evangeline, your wardrobe is ready in Dressing Room A,” the stylist called out.Eva nodded and headed toward the room. She felt a flicker of apprehension as she passed Christine, who was chatting animatedly with the photographer. Christine’s laughter was just a little too loud, her smile a little too sharp. Eva knew the woman well enough by now to sense when she was plotting something.As Eva entered the dressing room, her suspicions were con
“But…” Eva trailed off, the warmth in her expression vanishing in an instant. She took a deliberate step forward, closing the distance between them. Christine instinctively stiffened, unable to move as Eva reached out. With slow, calculated ease, Eva tucked a stray strand of Christine’s hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing against her cheek lightly.“If someone is truly pulling the strings behind this little stunt,” Eva murmured, her voice low enough for only Christine to hear, “I would expect them to put in more effort. It would be such a shame if this was all they could muster—it’s almost disappointing.”Christine swallowed hard, her hands curling into fists at her sides, but she couldn’t bring herself to move.“Christine,” Eva’s voice took on a commanding edge, soft yet firm. “Look at me.”Christine’s head lifted instantly, her gaze locking onto Eva’s before she could even think to resist. A slow, knowing smile spread across Eva’s lips.“Don’t you agree with me?” she asked lig
The next morning, Eva’s phone buzzed incessantly, pulling her from her thoughts as she reviewed her schedule for the week. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing at the dozens of notifications from her social media accounts. Messages poured in—some supportive, others scathing.Confused, she clicked on one of the links shared by Trix. It opened to a viral video, its caption glaring in bold letters: “Evangeline Carter Exposed: The Real Diva of the Industry is back!”Her breath caught as she watched the video. It depicted her at yesterday’s photoshoot, supposedly berating a makeup artist. In the clip, Eva’s voice was sharp, her tone laced with irritation as she gestured toward the stylist’s equipment. The video cut abruptly, leaving viewers to draw their own damning conclusions.Eva’s fingers tightened around her phone. She didn’t recall any such incident—because it hadn’t happened. Someone had manipulated the footage.“Christine,” she muttered, her voice low with restrained fury.
The sun filtered through the tall windows of the lavish studio, casting a golden glow on the marble floors. Eva adjusted the strap of her gown, her every movement embodying grace and confidence. Today was the first photoshoot for the collaboration project. However, it wasn’t the prestige of the project or the significance of the moment that lingered in Eva’s mind; it was the presence of Christine.Christine stood nearby, her face a mask of saccharine sweetness as she chatted with the director. Her voice, dripping with feigned enthusiasm, carried across the room. To everyone else, she appeared friendly and cooperative, the perfect team player. Eva knew better. Behind Christine's polished smile was a mind working overtime, strategizing ways to undermine her.“Eva, you’re up,” the photographer called, breaking through her thoughts.Eva turned, her poise unwavering, and stepped forward. She exuded a quiet confidence, her years of experience as a model shining through with each graceful s
Eva had just finished reviewing some documents that Gwen sent, when her phone buzzed beside her. She picked it up absentmindedly, expecting it to be a work message, but her brows lifted in surprise when she saw Lucien’s name flashing across the screen. Lucien? Calling her? That was rare. Though they kept in touch through messages, Eva knew that Lucien wasn’t someone who liked making calls, especially not at this hour. Curious, she answered. "Lucien? Is everything okay?" On the other end of the line, Lucien’s voice was calm but carried an unusual seriousness. "Hey, Big sis. Yeah, everything’s fine. Just wanted to check in on you." Eva leaned back in her chair, amused. "Check in on me?" she repeated with a teasing lilt. "That’s new. Should I be flattered?" Lucien huffed. "Tch. Don’t make this weird." Eva laughed. "Alright, alright. So what’s up?" There was a slight pause before Lucien spoke again. "I heard you signed a contract with Christine." Eva’s amusement faded slightly.