Eva leaned her elbow against the window, a sly smile forming on her lips. “Let’s just say certain people needed a reminder of where they stand.”“I knew it!” Nathalia burst into laughter, the carefree sound lifting Eva’s mood further. “I was telling one of the stylists yesterday, ‘Eva doesn’t let people get away with things. If she’s back, she’s back with a bang!’ And look at you, proving me right.”“I didn’t do anything without reason,” Eva replied, her voice calm but firm. “Christine and Mark needed to be handled. And Director Rick? Well, he made his bed.”“Oh, believe me, I’m not judging,” Nathalia said, her tone growing slightly wicked. “You know I love seeing Christine squirm. She’s got that fake, angelic act down, but I’ve always known she’s rotten to the core.”Eva smirked. “You’re not wrong. She’s good at pretending, though.”“Too bad for her that she’s not as good as you,” Nathalia teased, a playful lilt in her voice. “By the way, did you see the video of Mr. Carl’s press con
……..The days passed peacefully, with little to disrupt Eva’s recovery. Soon enough, she found herself healed enough to venture beyond the confines of Damien's mansion. Thanks to Damien, she has been focused on causing chaos but he had been the ones to take extra care of her injury and body. Her wounds had started to fade, and the scar-reducing ointment he had given her worked wonders. Now, she was as elegant as ever, with no visible marks left behind.The upcoming banquet was less than a week away, and Eva decided it was time to shop for the perfect dress. Her grandfather had specifically requested that she shop at Stardom Mall, not only to show respect to the Banks family, who managed it, but also to honor the family’s deep ties to the mall. Everyone there knew better than to disrespect Lawrence Smith’s favored granddaughter—a figure of power who held significant shares in the mall.Eva opted for a casual outfit of black leggings and a simple hoodie. She believed comfort was key for
Christine didn’t spare Eva another glance as she made her way to the checkout counter, but Eva decided to linger just a bit longer, intrigued by the brewing drama. If her memory served her right, Christine had always been meticulous when it came to spending, often opting for practicality masked as elegance.The sales associate broke the silence. “Ma’am, your total is fifty million dollars. Will that be debit or credit?”Christine froze, her carefully crafted poise faltering for the briefest of moments. A flicker of unease passed through her eyes as she stared at the bill in her hand. The credit card tucked away in her wallet wouldn’t even cover a fraction of the total.If only she had known this little excursion would cost so much, she would have brought her other credit card. But Tanya’s stern advice echoed in her mind: minimize spending and public outings until the scandal blows over. If anyone caught wind of her shopping extravagantly in the midst of her controversy, it could spark
"Ms. Lily, what seems to be the matter here?" the head of the security team, Mr. Billy asked, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd of dazzling socialites and the two strikingly beautiful women standing by the cashier.One exuded an angelic innocence, her golden glowing halo hovering above her head, while the other had a magnetic charm and a commanding aura that was impossible to ignore. Though dressed in casual, understated clothing, it was clear from her demeanor that she came from a background of privilege and influence."Thank goodness you're here, Mr. Billy!" Lily exclaimed dramatically, her tone laced with frustration. "This young lady here is causing an absolute scene! She’s insulting and disturbing one of our valued customers. Her behavior is disgraceful!" She put on a distressed expression, though her eyes still held their usual arrogance.Mr. Billy frowned, sensing there was more to the story. Still, before he could interject, Lily continued her tirade. "Can you believe the aud
"It's alright, Mr. Billy. A few replaceable employees aren’t worth losing sleep over." Eva’s calm smile sent shivers down Mr. Billy’s spine, leaving him terrified yet eager to please her.Understanding the unspoken warning, he quickly replied, "As the head of the security team, it is my responsibility to handle nuisances like these. Please don’t trouble yourself with such matters, ma’am." The fear of losing his lucrative position was evident in his voice. Though Eva appeared composed, Mr. Billy knew better than to underestimate someone with her reputation.The sales associate, now pale as a sheet, stammered, "M-ma’am, w-would you still like the cufflinks? I-I can wrap them up immediately and include a bonus—"Eva waved her hand dismissively, her gaze fixed on her nails. "No need for bonuses. Just swipe the card." She ignored Christine, who angrily slapped her polished black card onto the counter."I said those cufflinks are mine!" Christine’s voice trembled with rage. Losing to Eva tw
Once outside, she spotted her assistants seated near the entrance, their faces etched with fatigue. They had clearly missed the commotion inside the store."Please ensure the purchases are delivered to the Cross Estate," she instructed. After a moment, she added, "You’re free to go home afterward. Thank you for today."The assistants blinked in disbelief before scrambling to their feet. "N-no, thank you, ma’am!" They bowed deeply as Eva walked off, determined to find a proper gift.Eva wandered from store to store, dissatisfied with every option until she reached a small boutique tucked into the corner of the mall. The store’s minimalist logo, "NE" caught her attention.“NE?" Eva muttered under her breath.Intrigued, she stepped inside. The boutique, despite its modest location, radiated sophistication. Every piece was crafted with exceptional detail and elegance. Yet, Eva couldn’t help but wonder why such an acclaimed brand was hidden away on the uppermost floor.A sales associate ap
The executive wailed upon hearing the two most dreadful words in the world. He squealed like a pig being slaughtered. "No, wait, Boss, please! Give me another chance! I swear I won't be bribed again—" Too late. He was dragged out of the room, screaming, kicking, and begging for mercy, his grating voice bouncing off the hallways, causing the employees to cringe upon hearing the deafening sound.Shane walked in immediately afterward. "Boss, your next order?""Have all of his work and personal history checked." Damien paused before saying, "Bankrupt him." He disdainfully said."I expect to see the stocks of Johnson Corporation drastically plummet by the crack of dawn.""Right away, Boss." Shane nodded, bowed his head, and excused himself. When he was out of the office and the door was closed, he sighed in disappointment.What a foolish man.Just a few minutes ago, the executive had miraculously talked his way into having a personal meeting with the President, and instead of eventually ut
"U-uhm, Boss?" Clara noticed he had been spacing out for quite a while.She couldn't deny the appeal of her worldly boss whose face resembled the statues tucked away in museums. His face was the polar opposite of his personality. His clean-cut appearance was amplified by the fact that he was smoking.In the dim room where the cigarette smoke was more prominent, his eyes were slightly squinted, sharp jaw clenched, and ruffled hair giving off a very dangerous type of man — the kind you wanted to convert into good."Clean my office." Mark flicked the ashes off of his cigarette.Because of the scandal, he had been having issues with Christine nonstop the past few days, with this morning being their worst… Today was not a good day for him."I'll contact the Janitor right away—""I don't have the time to wait for the janitor. Do it yourself." He commanded her, his tone not leaving any room for discussion.Disgruntled at his request, but with no option to disobey it, Clara could only grit he
“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