"What do we do, Gracie? The show is about to start in five minutes. Can we make it?" In the backstage area, Emily paced back and forth, looking anxious.Grace's hands were moving quickly, but the clothes weren't taking shape."Maybe we can ask the organizers to delay it a bit," Emily suggested, but Grace stopped her."No, this show is crucial. If we ask for more time, it will have a significant impact.""Then what should we do? We can't just wait like this, can we?"Grace's hands moved faster as she sewed with the needle and thread. After some thought, she said, "Unless … we find a suitable excuse.""The show is starting. What excuse would be suitable?"The backstage staff were all deep in thought, exchanging puzzled glances. Yet they couldn't think of any excuse."In the worst-case scenario, let the models in the first round walk an extra lap. That way, we can at least gain an extra 10 minutes."At that, everyone else voiced their thoughts."But those reporters aren't fools.
Grace breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."Then, she raised her eyes and noticed Benjamin on the stage. He was standing against the light, so she couldn't see his face clearly. But she could hear his calm voice through her earpiece.At that moment, she understood his intentions.Benjamin's speech lasted a full 15 minutes, far beyond the originally planned time.However, the reporters in the audience didn't feel bored because he talked about the future plans of Hawkins Group.It was something that was closely related to the people present, especially those from Pamore. So everyone listened attentively."What's going on, Director Walker? Why is Mr. Hawkins' speech taking so long?" Zane asked softly.Samuel could guess that Benjamin was intentionally dragging his speech on, but he didn't think that a little over ten minutes could change anything."Do you have a plan B?" he asked.Zane replied confidently, "Don't worry. We're well-prepared. No matter what, this fashion show w
"It might even become a global sensation."When Samuel heard the discussions around him, the majority of which were in support of the fashion show, his face turned gloomy.Beside him, Zane wiped the sweat from his forehead. Then, he whispered, "Director Walker, they lost their centerpieces. It's going to be a disaster after this."Unexpectedly, as soon as his words fell, a model wearing a centerpiece stepped onto the stage.When she appeared, the whole venue fell silent. Everyone's gaze was fixed on the center of the stage. The centerpiece, modified on-site by Grace, featured bold colors and innovative styles.Most importantly, it was truly unique, capturing everyone's undivided attention."Quick, snap photos! The cut of this dress is outstanding. It's the best style tonight, for sure.""This designer is so amazing! She showcased a completely new style.""After it's over, I must interview her.""She was able to design such unique clothing, spreading our retro fashion worldwid
"What? 20 million dollars for a dress?""I can't wrap my head around that … but I think it's really worth it!"Grace had no idea what the netizens were saying. She walked on stage confidently, every move showing her elegance.Everyone in the audience was captivated. Especially Benjamin, who was standing not far away from her.At this moment, his eyes could no longer contain anything else. His eyes were filled with only her.Soon, Grace finished her walk. As she got off the stage, her legs went weak. Suddenly, she fell into someone's arms.Caleb quickly caught her and embraced her.Grace looked surprised. "Caleb! Why are you here?"Smiling, Caleb let her go. "I said I would give you a gift, but you never came to open it. So I opened it myself and came to look for you."Grace finally realized that his "gift" was himself."Wow, thank you, Caleb! Let me change my clothes. I'll treat you to a meal after the show."Caleb hummed in acknowledgement. His eyes carried a hint of affect
"I've already looked into it."Xander walked out of the darkness and stood in front of Grace. "All the surveillance footage from the venue has been reviewed, and we found some traces. But we can only see the perpetrator's back. There's no clear shot of his face.""What? Someone really destroyed it on purpose!" Emily was furious."Can the police identify the person with only his back?" Grace asked.Xander patted her shoulder to comfort her. "Don't worry. He can't escape."Hearing that, Grace finally felt relieved."Everyone has worked hard during this period. I've booked a private room at the club. Let's go and enjoy ourselves!"When Xander said this, the staff members around them cheered."Yay! Thank you, Ms. Lewis!""Thank you, Mr. Fulton!"Meanwhile, Grace turned around and pulled Caleb. "Let's go and have some fun together."Caleb shrugged and agreed. "Sure."But Grace didn't intend to let him off so easily. She immediately called Lydia.As expected, when Lydia heard th
Grace frowned slightly and withdrew her gaze. "It's nothing.""What are you guys doing? Fill your glasses." Emily came over with a glass.The atmosphere was lively."Just drinking like this is boring. How about playing something special?" Zoey suggested, but her eyes were shifting between Lydia and Caleb.Those two hadn't said a word to each other after they had sat together.As best friends, the ladies were naturally Lydia's best cheerleaders.Zoey and Emily shared a glance, then pulled Grace and Xander together to play a game.Grace asked, "What game are we playing?"Zoey smirked. "What else? Truth or dare, of course.""Oh, okay." Emily agreed first, and everyone sat around."Let me explain the rules. It's simple. Whoever the bottle points at must choose between truth or dare. No cheating. Of course, the loser has to drink."Zoey added, "If there's no problem, let's start."With that, she took the lead in spinning the bottle. "Five, four, three, two, one."The bottle poi
"Ladies and gentlemen, your fruit platter is here."A waitress briskly walked up to them and placed the fruit platter on the table. Unnoticed by everyone, the waitress locked the door to the private room as she left. Outside the door, Wendy pulled out the key, her eyes darkening."Grace, since you won't let me live well, then let's all die together," she thought.Somehow, she got hold of gasoline. She aimed it directly at the door of the private room and poured it fiercely, not sparing the corridor either.After that, she took out a lighter, lit it, and threw it at the gasoline without hesitation.In an instant, flames surged and spread rapidly.Wendy laughed loudly and thought, "Grace, you're going to die today!""Ah! Fire! Fire!" A staff member in the corridor was the first to notice the fire and immediately triggered the fire alarm system.Instantaneously, the corridor was filled with screams and cries for help. "Help! This place is on fire! Everyone, run!"Inside the pri
Lydia shook her head as she coughed violently. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to speak."Caleb, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I've liked you for a very, very long time."However, Caleb didn't hear her words clearly.Seeing her in distress, he kept her close in his arms. He only said, "Don't talk. The oxygen is getting scarce. Talking will make it hard for you to breathe."Lydia didn't care. She seemed to sense that death was approaching them.Even though she could barely keep her eyes open from how much they were stinging, she stayed close to Caleb.Even in the last moments of her life, she wanted to be with him.At this moment, everyone's eyes were red.What had once been a joyful situation had turned into a matter of life and death.Just then, Xander saw a fire extinguisher on the wall outside. Without hesitation, he took off his clothes to cover his head and rushed out."Xander!"Xander's body was roasted by the flames.But wit