âNathalia.â Eva interrupted, laughing. âDo you want to speak, or do you want me to answer?âNathalia's eyes widened, and she clasped her hands together in a dramatic show of restraint. âOkay, okay! Iâll be quiet. Answer everything! All of my questions!âEva sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips as she recalled the moments between her and Damien. She began with the day heâd sent her a luxury purse, to the absurd gift war that followed, the night he had shown up as her unexpected date, and the private moments theyâd shared. She skimmed over some details, her voice growing softer as she talked, but both Gwen and Nathalia listened intently, their expression cycling between shock, delight, and amazement.By the time Eva finished, Nathalia's mouth hung open, her disbelief plain. She couldn't believe her grumpy and brooding brother isâĶ.is so loving!She never imagined he had any romantic bone in his body. But then she remembered that even as kids, his attitude had always been better with
The three shared a smile, but before they could continue, a knock sounded at the door. One of Damienâs bodyguards entered, bowing slightly. âExcuse me, Madam, Young Miss . Boss asked us to confirm that all is well.âNathalia rolled her eyes. âTypical Damien,â she muttered. âCanât even leave you alone without checking up on you. Besides, he should have called if he wanted to know how you are doing.ââDon't say that, Mr. Cross could actually be busy.â Gwen quickly defended Damien."Young Miss, boss already gave us the order before he left.â The guard said, confirming that Gwen was right.Eva smiled, warmth filling her chest. âWell then, I'm perfectly fine. In case he contacts you, tell him he has nothing to worry about.âThe guard nodded and departed, and Nathalia watched him leave with a smirk. âSee? The man canât stay away for more than five minutes.â She leaned back with a sigh of satisfaction, crossing her arms. âOh, Eva, this is going to be amazing. I can finally have a sister-in-
âSee, even Gwen agrees with me. Seriously, apart from my brother having his issues, I think you should work on yourself." Just as Nathalia was about to dive into more teasing, her phone buzzed. She glanced down, and her face fell as she saw the name on the screen.It was her manager.A look of realization crossed her face, and her shoulders sagged. Sheâd completely forgotten about rescheduling her appointments to help Eva with her work schedule and also spend time with Eva in the hospital. She glanced at the clock, her heart sinking. She had a major shoot in just under two hoursâone she absolutely couldnât cancel.Eva, noticing her friendâs stricken expression, leaned a bit and saw the caller name before letting out a soft chuckle. âLooks like youâre in for a real lecture. Go to the shoot, Nathalia. Itâs only five. Youâll make it.ââWell, you're the one who caused it. Nathalia had to push back her own schedule to help you with your own schedule for the past three weeks you've been h
Eva nodded her head after she heard Gwen. It's no surprise if both Gwen and Ella ask each other for help since the two of them are dealing with two supermodels.Nathalia's phone started ringing again. âI hope I'm not in trouble this time." She muttered to herself.âPick it up and let's start going." Gwen told her with a lazy expression on her face.Nathalia had barely pressed the call button when her managerâs voice erupted through the phone, scolding her loudly enough that Eva could hear it from across the room. Wincing, Nathalia held the phone away from her ear, grimacing as she listened to the endless tirade.With a resigned sigh, Nathalia casted Eva an apologetic look. âEva I really want to stay but we have to leave now." " It's okay, I understand. You both stay safe.â She smiled reassuringly at Nathalia before turning her gaze to Gwen. " Take care of her.â She told her who rolled her eyes." You should take care of yourself more. Nathalia is in my care so don't worry. Apart from
She frowned, her lips pulling into a line. Great, she thought. Heâs furious. A few minutes passed as she waited for some sign of a response to the quick text she sent, but nothing came.âWell, itâs official. Heâs mad at me,â she muttered, shaking her head. Sheâd have to make it up to him, maybe by cooking his favorite dishes when she was well enough. Harry could rarely resist a home-cooked meal, and she hoped food might help soften his disappointment.Eva decided to call Lucien first before she called her two grandparents. âYou'd better have a good reason why you have gone MIA.â Lucien's cold voice suddenly rang out immediately he answered his sister's call. Even though he sounded cold, he was actually relieved when he saw her call.A few weeks ago when he couldn't reach Eva, he had contacted Nathalia but she told him Eva was busy, that's why she wasn't able to answer his call. However, he felt something was off and didn't fully believe her.âHoho, are you really that angry with me,
Her next call was to her grandfather, who picked up on the second ring. âGrandfather, I can explainâââEva, I already know everything,â Cutting her off, came the calm, no-nonsense reply from George. His voice held an edge of both relief and mild rebuke. Two weeks ago, when he heard of her abduction, he had barely begun mobilizing his resources to find out where his granddaughter was when Damien had reached out to and sent them the location of where Eva was being held. Before he knew it, Damien had her out of danger and safely in a hospital room. The young manâs efficiency had impressed even him.âYoung lady, there is only one thing left for you to do as at this point.â George's serious voice made Eva raise her brow, wondering what he wanted to say.âIs there?" Eva asked. Who was she kidding? She knew there was going to be more with George.âYou are no longer allowed to take public transportation, nor will you be returning to your previous apartment when you return back to Miami.â He s
For a moment, a quiet understanding passed between them. Though she hadnât shared every gruesome detail, her grandfatherâs calm reassured her that he understood more than sheâd given him credit for. As she ended the call, a wave of gratitude filled herâboth for the unwavering support of her family and for the quiet, steadfast presence of Damien, who had risked everything for her without a second thought.After a few seconds of comfortable silence, George's voice broke the silence.âDon't worry about anything unnecessary, Evangeline. Your Damon and I would have everything taken care of for you." He reassured her calmly, knowing fully well that his granddaughter might have been thinking of something useless again.Eva smiled when she noticed how heâd sidestepped saying Damienâs name correctly, a running habit of his that she was all too familiar with. âWill you ever stop calling him âDamonâ?â she asked, bemused.âNot likely,â George replied without hesitation, a satisfied grin spreadin
Eva gulped. Goodness! She was a grown woman and she is still acting like this. She never felt this nervous when she was with Mark. Lord knows how she would have to tell her grandfather that she and Damien are married. The old man might actually tie her down.âUmâĶ.A friend?âA friend? Excellent!â He replied with feigned ignorance, savoring his granddaughterâs awkwardness. âYour friend will get the chance to meet a very influential and prominent figure like me. How is that a problem?âEva sighed, shaking her head at his persistence. âItâs not exactly a âfriendââĶ but, anyway, itâs notâââOh, in that case, there is no problem with going there. Iâll be sure to introduce myself.â He said smoothly, giving her no chance to refuse. He clearly understood who she meant, and the thought amused him more than anything else. It was so amusing to hear her panic and struggle, especially with her stoic and rigid personality. Who knew this granddaughter can also get flustered like other women her age?J
âI... Iâm 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 sheâs trying to push me out of the competition,â 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.Markâs voice was low, filled with annoyance. âWhat do you mean, sabotage you? Sheâs already got the public on her side. What else does she want?ââI donât know, Mark. But I canât shake the feeling that sheâs behind some of the things happening to me lately,â Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. âSheâs been getting more endorsements, more media attention... Sheâs always one step ahead, and I feel like sheâs using me to boost her own career. Maybe sheâs trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I donât have a chance to win.âMark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didnât respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everettâs words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everettâs eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. âWhat are you going to do about her? Sheâs 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 sheâs been pulling strings, trying to break you down.âEva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. âIâm not sure yet. But Christineâs time is running out.â She gave a slight, bitter laugh. âI wonât let her destroy me.âEverett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. âBe careful, Eva,â she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. âChristineâs dangerous. And sheâs got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.âEva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everettâs 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.Christineâs smile faltered. âWhat is she doing here?âBefore she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.âLadies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, weâre honored to have Eva here tonight.âChristine stiffened. âWhat? Thatâs impossible!âEva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasnât an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the roomâand 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 donât care what it takesâpull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.âTanya hesitated. âChristine, are you sure about this? Maybe you shouldâââDonât question me!â Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. âDo you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I wonât even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!âTanya sighed. âFine. Iâll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. Youâre playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.âChristine scoffed. âPlease. Eva wonât 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 Evaâs reputation, she had only fueled the publicâs 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.âChristine?âShe turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trustedâor rather, toleratedâbecause she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christineâs side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.âWh
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 everythingâsabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumorsâyet 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 didnât work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldnât hide behind shadows. She wouldnât 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 mediaâs 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 thisâhis 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 didnât even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.âChristine, what is this?â His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. âA dinner. For us.âMark scoffed, shaking his head. âA dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what Iâve been dealing with? My fatherâs furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.â His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. âAnd do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancÃĐe might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasnât one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.âWhy didnât you ask for my help?â His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeperâsomething 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 didnât quite reach her eyes.âBecause it was something I could handle,â she said simply. âLike always.âDamienâs expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. âAnd if you couldnât?âEva shrugged. âThen I would have asked. But it wasnât time for that yet.âThat answer didnât satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. âEvaâââI know what youâre going to say,â she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. âYou think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I donât 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 homeâwhere the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurkingâwas 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. âEva.âJust her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said itâlow, controlled, yet sharp with attentionâthat made her exhale slowly.âHey,â she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, âWhatâs wrong?âShe almost smiled. He always saw through her.âI canât go home,â she admitted, rubbing her temple. âThe reporters are camped outside. And after todayâs interviewâĶ theyâll only get worse.âDamien didnât answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. âWhere are you?ââPenthouse suite at the Grand Royale,â she repli