---The Next DayThe socialite circles buzzed with excitement over the upcoming Dust Flex Conglomerate banquet, the most anticipated event of the season. The guest list was a mix of the elite, from affluent business moguls to celebrated figures in the entertainment and fashion industries. Ever since its announcement, the city couldn’t stop talking about it. With limited invitations, desperation ran high, and everyone scrambled to secure their spot.Socialites begged their partners, daughters pleaded with their mothers, and sons sought favors from their fathers, but entry wasn’t guaranteed, no matter the connections. The event’s exclusivity, coupled with top-tier security, made it nearly impenetrable. Reporters jostled for prime spots, hoping to capture the best shots of the glamorous arrivals.At one of Miami's most prestigious hotels, a crimson red carpet stretched from the street to the grand banquet hall. Velvet ropes lined the walkway, guarded by stern-faced security. Overhead, he
The reporters held their breaths in anticipation as onlookers anxiously awaited the next big name to emerge. Fans gripped their phones tightly, and the air buzzed with loud chatter from reporters calling out to socialites and celebrities to strike a pose.A sleek black Lincoln limousine pulled up, capturing everyone’s attention.When an elegantly poised leg stepped out, followed by a woman clad in gold, the crowd erupted."It's Eva, the former Queen!"“The queen of modeling has graced this place!" "Damien Cross’s woman has arrived!""Is she representing Carter Corporation or herself tonight?""That dress... wow...""Isn't that the highly anticipated gown from the NE collection? I thought it wasn’t released yet!""As expected, her crown might have been taken, but her wealth remains untouched!""But why isn’t she here with Damien Cross?" A pointed comment sliced through the admiration, its speaker disappearing into the crowd with a smug smirk.Her words acted as a spark, igniting the w
" Miss Eva, please tell us, is Mr. Cross your next big thigh? There are speculations that you're clinging onto him.” A reporter confidently asked, despite being under the pressure of Eva's calm gaze."Why would I need a ‘big-thigh’ when I am one myself?" she answered coolly, her dignified tone leaving the crowd stunned.Her words resonated deeply, shutting down any attempt to undermine her. Those who tried to tarnish her reputation were now questioning their beliefs.They all knew deep down that she was right. She was Evangeline Carter.Her name alone carried enough weight to silence doubters, and her commanding presence solidified it further. It was one thing to wear an exquisite dress, but to exude the grace and confidence that made it come alive was a rare trait. Eva needed no man's wealth or validation to define her. From the moment she was born, her legacy and the fortune tied to it were more than enough to secure a life of endless possibilities.Yet, some reporters, desperate to
The growing buzz of the crowd was deafening. Eva knew the questions wouldn’t stop, and the scrutiny of the reporters would only intensify. Revealing the identity of the man in question, who is none other than Alex, wasn't an option. If the media dug deeper into his background, it could lead to connections with Crystal—something their contract strictly forbade.Her lips pressed into a thin line as she resolved to ignore the mounting pressure. But with the smug model flaunting herself nearby, the prying eyes of the reporters, and Nathalia struggling under the barrage of questions, Eva realized she needed to take control of the situation."Miss Eva, is the man in the photo a former lover, a secret fling, or someone you were involved with before Damien Cross entered the picture—"The reporters were silenced by the sudden shift in Eva's demeanor. Lifting her head, she fixed them with a calm yet piercing gaze. Her lips curved into a slow, confident smile that left the crowd momentarily capt
Eva chuckled softly, her laughter light but carrying an edge that sliced through the tension between them. To an outsider, the scene might have appeared like a friendly exchange, given her relaxed demeanor, but the undertones were far from cordial. “Oh, Mr. Johnson,” she began, her smile widening slightly, “let me clarify something for you. I don’t get desperate—especially not for things I’ve already lost interest in.”Her smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, emotionless expression that sent a chill down his spine. The light in her eyes dimmed, leaving only an icy resolve. The shift was so sudden and sharp that it left Mark momentarily stunned, the weight of her words sinking into him like daggers.Seizing the opportunity to paint herself in a good light, Christine flashed a bright smile on her face as she looked at Eva. “Sister, don't be offended by Mark. You know how he is sometimes, he doesn't mean-" “Shut up, Christine." Eva coldly cut her off, not bothering to let C
The crowd tensed, a collective gasp filling the room. Several guests tugged at the collars of their shirts as an oppressive atmosphere enveloped the space. The temperature seemed to drop sharply, but the weight of tension pressed down on everyone like a suffocating fog. It wasn’t just the sharp sound of the slap that had people frozen—it was the towering figure that intercepted it.Damien Cross stood unmoving, his tall and lean frame emanating a chilling authority. His usually charismatic presence now radiated something far more ominous. His face was unreadable, his lifeless eyes making it impossible to gauge his emotions. Anger was one thing; his eerie calm was far more unsettling. To look into his eyes was like staring into an abyss. The oppressive aura around him felt like the embodiment of death itself, sending shivers down spines. The people standing nearby couldn’t help but take a few steps backward as if they could see the invisible specters of death swirling in his shadow.
Mark's hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with barely contained fury. His vision blurred with red as a fiery rage consumed him, the mockery and humiliation clawing at his pride.Sensing his volcanic anger, Christine stepped in quickly, placing a delicate hand on his chest to stop him from lunging forward. Her voice was soft, almost pleading, as she whispered, “Sweetheart, don’t do it.” She stroked his chest in what she hoped was a soothing gesture. “It’s not worth it,” she murmured, her tone saccharine, attempting to pacify the seething man.Mark exhaled sharply, his grip tightening around Christine’s waist. The action grounded him, reminding him why he was here in the first place. He hadn’t come to this event to pick a fight or fuel a scandal—he had come to rebuild connections and salvage his crumbling reputation.Taking a slow, deliberate step back, he forced himself to swallow his anger. But the shame of backing down in front of Damien, Eva, and the entire room burned de
Christine noticed the defeat in Mark’s eyes and frowned deeply. He resembled a fallen commander on a desolate battlefield, his armor shattered, his sword broken, and his dignity reduced to a tattered white flag fluttering in surrender.She refused to let him crumble like this. He was a Johnson, for heaven’s sake! How could he let a single insult from Damien Cross completely destroy his pride? Many others had faced Damien’s wrath and emerged unscathed, so why couldn’t he?A storm of emotions flickered in her gaze as determination hardened her delicate features. This was not the end of the Johnson legacy. A king might fall, but he could rise again.Clenching her fists, she grabbed Mark’s hand and led him away from the crowd of mocking onlookers. She blocked out their jeers and whispers, letting their insults fuel her resolve. She was done playing the damsel in distress. It was time to use her status and connections to rebuild what had been lost.“Haha, look at them slinking away with th
“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