“In this case, we can all head up together.” Kelsey turned to the group of people who were previously forcefully kicked out of the elevator.They all turned to Zara who was smiling at them.Once again, they were enamored by how kind Zara was.With that, they stepped back into the elevator one after another and headed upstairs with Kelsey.After they were gone, Cerys became very upset and asked Zara in a disgruntled voice, “Ms. Quest, why were you so lenient with them, especially with that girl? She was disrespecting you back there!”A sinister glow flashed across Zara's eyes upon hearing this. Still, she mindfully put on the same dainty smile. “I am a public figure and have to pay attention to public perception! Either way, Kelsey is just a small-time player and there is no way she is going to win when you are her opponent!”Then, she fixed a profound look on Cerys. “Cerys, I have faith in you. You’re not going to let me down, are you?”Cerys immediately understood what Zara was
Kelsey pursed her lips. “It was Zara who snatched her away! She was offering a higher salary!”“What? Zara?” Yvonne cried out sharply, “She’s trying to pin you into a corner by doing this!”Kelsey was the first one who made the appointment with the makeup artist. How could Zara pull off such a maneuver to take away her makeup artist?What was Kelsey going to do?“I think she’s intentionally doing it to get back at me.” Kelsey speculated with a tight frown.“Intentional?” Yvonne was puzzled.Kelsey told Yvonne about the minor incident involving Zara when she was trying to enter the elevator just now.Upon recounting the story, Yvonne was enraged. “How much pettier can she get? She sure knows how to hold a grudge!”Kelsey narrowed the look in her eyes. “I just wasn’t expecting her to model for Cerys tonight!”Considering Zara’s reputation, there was no reason she should have to trouble herself with becoming a model for tonight’s competition.Kelsey was assuming she was only her
Kelsey knew the reason Zara did this had to be more than just simply to get back at her for what happened in the elevator just now!Zara must have caught wind of Tyler agreeing to join the judge’s panel for this year’s fashion competition, which was completely unheard of.She was trying to get Kelsey to embarrass herself in front of Tyler.Not only was she trying to get Kelsey to lose, but she was going to ensure it happened in a humiliating fashion.This way, Tyler would be so disappointed with her that he just might fall for Zara instead.She was as nasty as they come!Unfortunately for her, Kelsey was not going to let her have her way!“Fine. If none of them are coming, we’ll just do it ourselves!” she declared with glowing determination in her eyes.The more Zara tried to sabotage her, the more she wanted to win.“Alright, Kels. I will help you!” Yvonne was firmly giving her support.“We might not have a makeup artist, but I can still do it myself. But, I’m going to need
Tyler was eye-catching as if he were a carved statue come to life!All ladies at the scene fawned over him the moment they saw him. They had never felt their hearts beating so fast!They were ready to fall to his knees and worship him.“This is Mr. Lang, our main sponsor for the competition, is the main reason that our annual competition is able to commence smoothly without any…”The organizer showered him with relentless praises.Meanwhile, all the ladies fixed obsessive looks at him.Tyler was a known gentleman. He returned a polite smile at all of them while scanning the crowd to look for Kelsey.Where did she go?The reason he agreed to be on the judge’s panel was so he had a valid excuse to surprise Kelsey.However, it did not seem like she was anywhere backstage.Where could she have gone to?He was about to dispatch his men to search for her. Before he could do that, the door to the only private dressing room backstage flung open.Zara came bounding out of the dressi
The man had made a mistake and assumed the rumors to be true, that Tyler and Zara were a couple.He took the chance to earn Tyler’s favorable impression!Little did he know, his comment was completely off the mark.Tyler immediately swept a chilling look at him that seeped into his bones. It was as if it had turned into winter in an instant.He was so terrified by the look that he fell silent instantly.“Since you are modeling for one of the contestants, then the special judge position can be given to somebody else instead,” Tyler suddenly declared without any specific tribulation in his voice.All the ladies at the scene were collectively taken aback by the decision.They all assumed that Tyler was here to show support for Zara.Unexpectedly, he only came to take her down a peg.Everyone was aware that Zara had been given an esteemed position as a special judge for the past couple of years.It was surprising that Tyler would suddenly announce that the spot would be given to
That being said, Kelsey had never told Tyler that she would participate in the competition.She kept it a secret from him because she did not want to rely on her connection with Tyler.It was unfair to use her connections to win.However, what she did not expect was that Cerys had done exactly that. She was leaning on the Quest Group and Zara’s influence.It would be very difficult to beat Cerys and claim the championship.“Either way, I will do my best.” Kelsey vowed.Yvonne nodded profusely. “I’m on your side, Kels. I know you got this!”It was around eight o’clock in the evening.The fashion competition had officially commenced.The night's event started with the opening ceremony. There was a series of music and dance performances put on by the special guests.Then, the host gave an opening speech.After that, the panel of judges for this year’s fashion competition was introduced to the audience. It was a very grand ceremony.Since Tyler was the main sponsor, the host ha
The look in Kelsey’s eyes dimmed the moment she saw Zara step onstage.The dress Zara was wearing looked just like the one she had designed herself for the competition. They were practically the same thing!From a professional perspective, this was plain plagiarism!She had never imagined that Cerys would plagiarize her design.Cerys was already a well-known designer.She was famous across the design industry, and she was the favorite to win the competition!Meanwhile, Kelsey was just a no-name newcomer.Nobody would ever believe her if she accused Cerys of plagiarizing her design!Besides, everyone was already prejudiced against her and would take Cerys’ side.Especially since Cerys and Zara’s collective presentation was the first to be revealed onstage.Furthermore, the presentation had blown the crowd’s minds, it was beyond spectacular.With this, they managed to leave a substantial impression on the panel of judges as well as the audience watching in person and from home
However, Kelsey realized that this was not the time to squabble with Zara. She had to get on the stage.Zara sneered and tried to instigate her. “Quit being delusional, did you truly think that you could win the competition?”Yvonne snapped at her. “Were you the one who got Cerys to plagiarize Kel’s design?”“How dare you say something like that?” Zara exaggerated her reaction and pretended to be offended. "You’re only saying that because you are jealous of Cerys’ genius design, you’re accusing her of plagiarism without any proof!”“We didn’t…” Yvonne rose to defend her case.“Either way, there is no way Kelsey can ever win!” Zara declared sharply with a mocking glow in her eyes, “Do you want me to tell you the truth? I know a few judges sitting on the panel today and have already told them to give zero points for your work! It doesn’t matter how well you perform today, Kelsey, you’re never going to win but you might stand a chance at coming in last place though!“If you have any
Steve felt embarrassed. He had been wanting to make Tyler’s acquaintance, but a chance to meet him was hard to come by. Now that he ran into Tyler, Steve was determined to make the most out of it. “Let me be a host to you today, Mr. Lang—” Megan cut Steve off. “Mr. Lang, you might not know this, but Kelsey’s father is facing bankruptcy. He’s deep in debt too. Kelsey and her father are just going to be your burden. Don’t let Kelsey’s seemingly innocence fool you. They are just going to leech off you. My daughter, Josephine, is a nice and sensible girl. She’s a better companion than Kelsey. I’ll be delighted to introduce you to her.” Kelsey was impressed with Megan. Even now, Megan had not given up on pushing Josephine into Tyler’s arms. In Kelsey’s past life, Megan went to lengths to matchmake Josephine and Tyler. Nevertheless, Tyler never took an interest in Josephine. Megan was just as delusional as ever. However, Kelsey had no idea that Charlie owed a lot of mon
“She’s just a bitch.” Megan hissed through clenched teeth, her jealousy showing. She had a hunch. The sudden change in the manager’s attitude toward Kelsey was likely due to Tyler. Megan wished she had Kelsey’s luck to meet a good-looking and rich man. Steve did not believe Megan. If Kelsey was just an ordinary woman, the manager would not take her up to the exclusive top floor. That was a height Steve could never reach despite a lifetime of hard work. However, Kelsey had no plans to accept the manager’s invitation to dine on the top floor. Since Charlie would not be attending or taking Susan out of the nursing home, Kelsey had no reason to dine alone on the top floor. Kelsey was better off getting back to her new office and ordering a takeout. Her discussion with Rosette about the costume design for Adrienne’s new film would continue this afternoon.However, the manager stopped her from leaving and apologized to her frantically. “Please see it in your heart not to
It was upsetting enough for Kelsey since Charlie managed to deceive her once more. However, Megan had to gloat. “What did I tell you? I told you Charlie can’t afford this place. He can’t even show his face because he’s expected to pay the bill.” “Oh, quit it!” Kelsey glared at Megan. To think Kelsey would give her an attitude. Megan had Steve on her side now. She was no longer the other woman who lived off Charlie’s good graces. Surely, Megan earned the right to mock Charlie. “You’re the manager. Has St. Gills lost its exclusivity? It’s a disgrace that you let just about anyone in,” Megan said sarcastically. Kelsey retaliated. “Oh, aren’t you a picture of poise, Megan? With your sugar daddy, you can’t even make it past security.” “You!” Megan looked daggers at Kelsey. Livid, Megan commanded the manager, “Throw the bitch out now before I’ll make sure your establishment ceases to operate.” The manager narrowed his eyes on Kelsey and Megan. Judging by Kelsey’s mod
“Kelsey, what are you doing here?” Megan asked harshly.With Megan and Steve approaching, the manager drew close and welcomed them. It then dawned on Kelsey that Megan and Steve were the VIPs who took the private lounge from Charlie. The manager explained the situation, and Megan sneered. “Charlie is going broke. I doubt he can afford to dine at St. Gill’s. With his mounting debts, he’s embarrassing himself when the time comes to pay the bill.” Kelsey narrowed her eyes. Charlie must be using Susan’s birthday as a pretext to ask for more money from Tyler since the family business was going bust. However, Tyler had given Charlie a large sum of money. It was puzzling how Charlie managed to burn through it. Kelsey snapped back with a smirk. “Even so, Charlie is paying with his own money, unlike some people who can’t live a day without a sugar daddy.” Color drained from Megan’s face. Kelsey was basically calling her a gold digger. Megan would not be in this position in th
Kelsey and Rosette discussed the specifics of auditioning for Adrienne’s new film’s costume design role.As the time neared noon, Kelsey glanced at her phone. Tyler had not replied to her text message. It was nearly time for Susan’s birthday celebration at St. Gill’s. Kelsey decided to go ahead to St. Gill’s. While on the way, she gave Charlie a call to inform that Tyler would not be available for the celebration. Charlie’s voice reflected his disappointment. “What’s this? Why can’t Tyler make it?” Kelsey bit the bullet and explained, “I haven’t been able to reach him.” “I thought Tyler adored you. Why couldn’t you get in touch with him? Did you upset him?” Charlie grilled her. Kelsey refuted, “Things have been going well for us, thanks for asking. He has an emergency today.” Her bond with Tyler could not be stronger. Heck, they nearly went all the way this morning. The nerve of her father to put her down. Charlie was furious. “I knew I couldn’t count on you.” He
Kelsey frowned. “What are you up to now?” She doubted Charlie was so nice to want the family to be together for her grandmother, Susan’s birthday. It was probably an excuse to get close to Tyler. Since Charlie got together with Megan, Kelsey could count on her finger the number of times he had been to the nursing home to visit Susan. Kelsey could not remember the last time Charlie celebrated Susan’s birthday. Charlie could not even remember Susan’s birthdate. Yet, Charlie was so kind to throw her a party. Kelsey could only suspect that Charlie had ulterior motives. “How can you say that about me, Kelsey? I’m your father. Am I wrong to throw your grandmother a birthday party?” Charlie reprimanded. Kelsey was skeptical. “You’re not wrong, but…” It was uncertain whether he had Susan’s interest at heart. “But what?” Charlie asked. He started blaming himself. “I know that I listened to Megan and neglected you and Mom. I’ve gotten rid of her. Now, I just want to be a go
With a predatory glint in his eyes, Tyler pressed his lips against Kelsey’s.“I’ll take your silence as your consent.” “Hang on!” Kelsey pushed him away. She meant business since it was about his sleepwalking last night. “I have a question.” “What is it?” Tyler asked in a raspy voice, his lips still lingering across her skin. His hands eagerly pulled her gown off her. “Do you sleepwalk?” Kelsey asked. Tyler paused, his eyes bearing a weight of emotions. Kelsey knew she was right on the money. Tyler had known about his sleepwalking. “Did you know you were sleepwalking last night?” Kelsey said while fixating earnestly on him. She was more concerned about his health. Tyler seemed healthy. Yet, he wandered off in a sleeping state. Judging by Tyler’s response, it was not his first rodeo. Generally speaking, sleepwalking was associated with trauma or unresolved issues. Kelsey suspected that Tyler had been through some kind of trauma, or something in his past wa
Tyler opened his eyes abruptly. Bare and dominant, he loomed above Kelsey while his penetrating gaze looked deep into her soul.Lost in the heat of his kiss, Kelsey opened her eyes in confusion at his sudden pause. She met his profound gaze. Kelsey’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath hitched. She stared at the man towering over her in disbelief, her eyes bulging. Tyler was awake. He examined her, his eyes scouring every inch of her body. Once he was certain that it was Kelsey, Tyler was relieved. “I’m home, babe,” he uttered with a sigh of relief. Feeling assured, he closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. He filled his lungs with her familiar scent. Kelsey was taken aback, but her head gradually cleared. She thought that Tyler would not stop their little bed activity. However, Tyler stayed in the same position for a while. His steady breathing came soon after. He fell asleep. Kelsey was in disbelief. Since he wanted her so badly, Kelsey ass
Worried, Kelsey followed Tyler in case he hurt himself or fell off the stairs. He was not in a conscious state after all. Kelsey would not be so abrupt as to wake him from his sleepwalking. She was aware that waking a sleepwalker could lead to shock or other health problems.Kelsey stuck close behind Tyler and made sure he got up the stairs safely. Tyler returned to their bedroom and lay on the bed. Kelsey drew close for a look. The soft moonlight streamed through the French windows, casting a hazy glow over his defined face.Tyler lay there motionlessly, his eyes closed.Kelsey watched him sleep tenderly. For a moment, she drooled over him. However, she quickly frowned at the smell of alcohol on Tyler. Kelsey went to open the window to let in some airflow, dispersing the fumes of liquor. She then picked out a fresh pair of pajamas from the closet for Tyler.Tyler would need a change of briefs too. However, Kelsey’s cheeks burned when she pulled his brief draw