Charmine was only able to offer a small yet bitter smile; this would not have happened had she came in much earlier. As a result, she was stuck with the Ruby Red collection, and she felt rather vexed as Tiffany snagged the Avocado Green collection. To be involved in a showdown with this kind of person was a drag, through and through.The manager and his assistants could almost taste the hostility in the air, but none of them dared to ask too many questions. Since this was a showdown, it was expected that these two would have some sort of tension. As long as the magazine shoot turned out fine—that the hype and popularity of both collections were high enough and the sales of the Guci products did well—they were not concerned.Charmine was done with her makeup when an assistant pushed out a rack of clothes toward her. “Ms. Charmine, these will be your outfits for today. The plan is to start with thirty-two sets of individual portrait shots before we move on to take a joint portrait with
Designer Bmitey had hoped people would still see the beauty in her design, though it was not refreshing enough for the summer. It would have made Bmitey happy if just a few liked her pieces, yet Charmine was snipping off at her work! That piece of clothing was destroyed just like that!The manager looked a little uncomfortable as well. Charmine might be the boss with diamonds, but she—at this moment—was the endorsement model for Guci. How could she destroy Guci’s specially crafted clothes?At that moment, Charmine straightened her body and tossed the excess fabric aside with the scissors. In an instant, everyone stared in surprise as their jaws dropped. The outfit that was originally long and expansive became a high-waisted outfit after Charmine’s alteration. The altered clothing showed off Charmine’s slender and sexy waist. The long, wide pant legs of the outfit were slit up the side; her elegant long legs would be exposed with just a gentle breeze. It was like a tease. The orig
“No need,” dismissed Charmine, “it was only a few photographs anyway. Are you that tired from just that? I’m not as pretentious as you.” With that, Charmine stood and went to the nearby water dispenser for a glass of water.Tiffany was initially relaxed in her corner, but Charmine’s answer soured her mood in an instant. Her face went red with embarrassment, but as she remembered she was the top model, she instantly recollected her cool. She took this opportunity and said, “Oh, I’ve been useless as an older sister. All these years at home, Mom and Dad had never let me lift a finger. They were worried that I’d hurt myself, and that’s why I’m so spoilt now.“I admire you, dear sister. You’ve had the opportunity to work hard on your own. Unlike me, even when I walk down the road, someone will always hold the umbrella for me. Whatever I want to eat, Mom and Dad will have it prepared for me right away. I’ve told them before that they should treat you better, that you could be their biolo
Charmine’s eyes swept across the assistant standing at the door before responding to Tiffany, “There’s nothing wrong with clam chowder, but... This clam chowder isn’t for you.” Charmine eyed Tiffany condescendingly before she turned to the assistant and asked, “Since you’re here, why are you still standing there?”The assistant instantly hurried over to Charmine’s side and placed the clam chowder in front of her. “Ms. Charmine, please enjoy this dish,” came his curt response. “Our chairman stayed by the stove for three hours just to make this clam chowder for you.”Tiffany was dumbfounded; the clam chowder was not for her but for Charmine instead! Charmine was just a newbie, yet she already had a chairman preparing clam chowder for her personally? That was maddening. Extremely maddening!Everyone in the room began to point and sneer at Tiffany while they eyed Charmine with admiration. Charmine received the dish and sampled the clam chowder rather elegantly. The moment she tasted i
‘Prince Simon Gray personally making clam chowder for Charmine? That can’t be true!’ thought Luke Reed, Anthony’s assistant. At that moment, he felt Charmine’s frosty glare, a clear warning, and remembered Anthony’s words that went, ‘Whatever her demands, go along with it.’ Hence, he replied, “Yes, my chairman is Prince Simon Gray.”Tiffany stiffened in shock. She had originally thought that she could try and provoke or even seduce this mystery chairman. She never thought of this outcome instead, and Charmine had embarrassed her again.Tiffany’s heart pounded frantically in her embarrassment as she blurted, “Veronica, help me to the changing room. It’s probably time for the last shot of the day.”“Of course! You’re so professional when it comes to work, Tiffany. You’re not like some people who are only focused on eating,” responded Veronica as she cast a displeased look at Charmine and helped Tiffany to the changing room.Charmine rolled her eyes and paid no attention to them. Sh
Bmitey looked at Charmine fretfully; she was overwhelmed with anxiety.What was Charmine’s plan? Could she turn water into wine? This was next to impossible.Meanwhile, Tiffany was seated on a flamingo, a sweet smile adorning her face as she did. She looked like an ethereal fairy, protected and unaware of the ongoings around her.The avocado green and pink-colored flamingos made a perfect match. The combination looked so aesthetically pleasing that one could almost forget about the midsummer heat.In contrast, Charmine’s large red top paired with a loose-fitting skirt kept her covered up tightly. Both her chest and legs could not be seen. How could she best Tiffany at this rate?Everyone present was curious, but the nonchalant Charmine merely turned to ask Tiffany, “Are you sure you want to sit there in this manner? Won’t you regret it?”“Yes. Why not? Can’t you think of any poses to match mine?” Tiffany replied.Though it was not so obvious, Tiffany’s reply was laced with sarca
It was only after Tiffany spoke that the photographer remembered she was there as well. He took a closer look at the photograph.While Tiffany did well, the background was colored pink just like the flamingos on set. Tiffany’s green clothes paled in comparison, and the eye could only notice Charmine’s flaming-red outfit.Her pale colors automatically made her fade into the background, and it looked as if she was Charmine’s supporting prop.It did not help Tiffany’s case that Charmine was leaning onto her as Tiffany looked into the camera with a smile, clutching on to the flamingo’s neck. Somehow, she managed to look like a dutiful and diligent coffee table—a mere prop. The other interpretation to the photograph was that she looked like Charmine’s slave or servant girl as she made way for Charmine.Nevertheless, other than the fact that Tiffany somehow became a supporting cast, it was a perfect photograph.“No need for a second shot,” assured the photographer. “it's great! You ca
Everyone in the room was shocked, especially Peter.His camera was worth millions, and it stored a whole day’s worth of hard work!He kneeled on the floor and cradled his broken camera with trembling hands.Though there was a small cut on Tiffany’s forehead, it did not matter to her. Immediately, she hung her head low and continuously blurted, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it…! I really didn’t mean it! Let me know how much this camera cost, and I’ll compensate for it no matter the cost!”“How can you compensate me?! The camera contains all the footage from everyone’s hard work today!”It was the first time Peter got angry at a beautiful lady, and the first time he felt like hitting a woman.As her eyes turned glossy, Tiffany kept bowing at everyone around her, apologizing again and again. “I’m so sorry! My manager didn’t see where she was going... It’s all our fault. I’ll compensate for your camera, your photos, and even your advertising fees. I’ll even compensate for your salarie
There was an unnoticeable glint in Sonia's eyes. She nestled herself further into Harry's arms as she added, "Let’s go to Pares. We'll come back after I give birth to the baby.""Alright."Harry stayed by Sonia's side as he watched over her, cared for her, and talked to her until she finally slept in his care.He stood up tiredly and walked out of the room to sit in the living room.Thuck!Something fell out of his pocket.He narrowed his eyes to the source of sound and spotted a USB.Since when did he have a USB in his pocket?With a small frown on his face, Harry curiously picked it up and noticed the front side of the USB glowing. Something was carved onto its surface, too.[Granger].Was it Dior’s USB? Why was her USB inside his pocket?Harry’s clear fingers held on the USB tightly. He thought for a moment before he took out a laptop, turned it on, and plugged in the USB.A moment later, the screen showed what seemed to be peculiar surveillance footage with a descriptio
Dior was still lost in her storm of thoughts when a shadowy figure zipped past her and ran toward Harry.When she spotted this familiar figure, she reacted quickly and held onto him."Let go of me!" growled Guy. "How dare he slap you and misunderstood you? I have to beat some sense into him!"Harry broke free and chased after Harry.Dior, despite having lost all hope and life in her, mustered the last strand of her will to chase after Guy and reeled him back. "Brother, don't," she muttered, "spare your energy…" Her sorrow clouded her eyes as she mumbled, "He’s the man I love. Even though he hates me, I won’t allow you to hurt him. As for the explanation…"Dior smiled ironically. "Whatever. That slap decimated every beautiful daydream I have about him, anyway."She no longer expected anything from him.He had no trust in her, so what would it matter if she finally got him? He did not even love her, and he did not trust her either.Dior smiled elegantly, but her eyes were fille
Dior looked forward to that new shift.She watched as Harry made his way into the restaurant silently, unable to deter her mind from the daydreams she had of him, of the new chapter of their story they would have.He would apologize to her, trying to redeem himself, and kiss her dearly as he embraced her. Later down the line, they would have a child of their own, too.Harry's long legs walked in strides, his dark gaze trained on Dior.The bright light shone on Dior’s delicately stunning face, and she also wore a red dress.He remembered her wearing this back in Mount Village.He could remember how alluring she looked back then, how they stayed in the same room, how she put down her ego to treat him with so much gentleness.Harry’s cold face mellowed down, but recalling a certain memory, the vague wistfulness in him vanished and he sat in front of her.Dior looked at him fondly, like she always would. "Long time no see."Her eyes burned brightly as if she wanted to drink in his
Dior examined the footage the moment she received it.True enough, it showed Sonia and George talking about their little deal. It also showed how Dior was telling the truth while they both ganged up on her.Dior’s frail heart felt as though it was rejuvenated once more, feeling as though blood was once more pumped into her heart. Her dull eyes devoid of hope regained their lost luster once more.Not thinking twice, she dialed Harry's number with this evidence, though he had to be busy, seeing as he did not pick up even after the phone rang for a long while.Just as she was about to hang up, Harry picked up the phone."What do you want?"On the other end of the call was the voice that she had missed for so long. His low, hoarse voice sounded so cold and emotionless.Hearing his voice brought Dior back to the image of his handsome face, and her heart skipped a beat.She tried her best to restrain her fluttering emotions as she tried to speak calmly, "Do you have time? I’d like to
At Mount Village…Inside the elegant bamboo house was Dior, dressed in a beige dress. She sat in the front yard as she took sips of her wine.The sunlight shone past the leaves and illuminated her, yet she exuded an air of loneliness.She swirled the glass and could not help recalling the moments she spent with Harry.In the beginning, she was attracted by his looks; he looked so gentle and elegant.She gave him money, kept him company, and continuously showed up around him in hopes of conquering him.Alas, she ended up in this state.The time she spent with him in Mount Village was the happiest time she had ever had. They had lived inside the bamboo house together, where he took care of her and claimed her to be his woman.They even laid inside the same room.Everything was so beautiful.Cursed was her luck, however, that it was just an illusion. He had been using her from the start, while he chose to stay with the woman who lied to him and even hurt him!No matter how mu
"Although Susan was unhappy, she should've voiced out her displeasure instead of bottling things. Cheating is wrong, regardless. Furthermore, if she wanted a career, she didn't have to stay home and depend on her husband."Grandma Bailey halted.Was that what Charmine truly thought of?Grandma Bailey thought Charmine would find Susan too aggressive unto herself.Charmine glanced at Susan again and apathetically commented, "She doesn't want to make money on her own, but she wants to be rich while complaining about her man not making time for her and taking care of her? If a woman has no ability of her own and also blames others for her miseries, all she's worth is to sit quietly at home and wait for her husband to come home. She also has no right to cheat! This is how the world works."Charmine patted Grandma Bailey’s shoulder and held Anthony’s hand, her words met with everyone's evidently surprised gazes and their silence.Grandma Bailey was shocked. Sure, Charmine sounded rathe
The colossal cruise started to drift away from the pier.Eric stood on the cruise and let the wind blow at him, loneliness and hatred still oozing from his being.He stared at the blue ocean ahead of him as Charmine's words rang in his mind unceasingly.'Will you really feel good after you've killed them?''You saw Susan suffering from a serious wound; would you still kill the one sibling you have left in the world?'"Forgive them and yourself.'Deliberating everything carefully, his lips curled into a bitter smile.It was true, after all, that Charmine understood him the most.Eric poured himself another drink and downed it with loneliness as he allowed the cruise to bring him wherever it would take him.…Susan was still inside the operating room when Charmine and the rest of the Baileys rushed into the hospital.Darryl stood before the room, his expression blank, his figure lonely and helpless.So many things had happened in half a day.He found out about his wife's inf
"No one's stopping you now. Eat!"Anthony clenched his hands tightly and took another glance at Charmine. He was more determined than before, and he was close to eating the pills in the bottle.Charmine, who was held hostage, gradually opened her eyes at that moment. Her gaze drifted toward Eric before she asked, her tone challenging, "Will you really feel good after you've killed them? You saw Susan suffering from a serious wound; would you still kill the one sibling you have left in the world?"Eric halted, and his eyes darkened.Charmine had just woken up, yet what she said…He cast a cold glance at Charmine. "It's my business, and it has nothing to do with you!"They were his family, and he did not want a family like this!Charmine looked squarely at him. "Eric, I don’t care if you used me or plotted against me all these years; I've treated you like a true friend, nothing more nor less. You were the only person who stayed by my side in the past five years, so I hope that you
Anthony's breath hitched when he saw Charmine.He clenched his fists and, without doubting himself, relented "I can agree to your terms, so let her go right away. This has nothing to do with her; you only hate me after all. As long as you let her go, I'll take the pill. Everything will end right away."Susan shook her head. "We'll die after eating the pill. I’m not taking that!"She had just reunited with Eric, and she did not want to die yet. She looked at Eric and begged, "Please let Anthony be, why don't you? He’s your brother, after all, and he doesn’t even know about your existence. If you’re really angry, just kill Charmine, and I'll make it up to you—"Anthony's expression contorted in sheer fury upon hearing Susan's plea, and he glared at her with murderous intent."This was all your fault, so what right do you have to make Charmine take your blame?!""What on earth are you going on about?" snapped Grandma Bailey. "Charmine has been kidnapped because of you, yet you want