Chapter 514
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The two women locked eyes in the thick tension of rivalry, neither willing to back down. They entered the venue through separate entrances.
Caitlin headed straight to her assigned dressing room. Inside, Molly was already directing the models‘ makeup and prep. The garments had arrived, and the models were starting to change.
“Thank you for everything, Molly,” Caitlin said with heartfelt gratitude. None of her shows would be this flawless without Molly’s unwavering support.
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“Thank me? Please. Helping you is helping myself,” Molly replied, pulling Caitlin over. “Come check the makeup. Tell me if we need to adjust anything.”
The two women got to work, deep in the flow of last–minute preparations.
Meanwhile, in Main Hall 7–the largest hall in the exhibition center–guests were pouring in. Reporters from every major fashion magazine were present, as were countless influencers and industry elites.
Sebastian and Caitlin’s circle had also come out in full force: Nolan, Benjamin, Simon and Wendy, Hayden, Federico, and even Yates all showed up to support her.
With big names like Federico and Yates in the audience, the runway show’s prestige jumped several levels.
The setup was grand. From the staging to the lighting, it was clear that this event was on an international scale.
The host soon took the stage and introduced the three celebrity judges–top designers from across the globe: Alessandro from Italy, Etienne from France, and Tobias from Germany.
The audience was stunned. Getting even one of them would’ve been impressive. Having all three on the panel made it clear just how serious the organizers were.
These three would judge today’s runway presentations and determine the top three finalists.
The show officially began. The designers who had drawn early slots were already presenting their collections,
Notably, Justin from TIC had also advanced to the final round, earning his spot to compete alongside Caitlin.
Her slot was toward the end of the program, giving her plenty of time to finish prep work.
Elsewhere, Zura was giving final instructions to her models. Her runway time was a few slots ahead of Caitlin’s
She didn’t attempt to bribe or befriend the judges this time. The organizer had kept the jury lineup a secret, making it impossible to pull strings.
Now that the judges had been revealed. Zora realized she had no personal connections to any of them. Her only option was to beat Caitlin with pure skill–and shed poured everything into her designs to do it
But to win, she had to know her opponent
After spotting Jillian, Zora said, “Didn’t you say you’re around Caitlin a lot because of your brother? Go find out what style she’s showing today. Better yet, film it and send it to me.”
Jillian immediately shook her head. “Sorry, Zora. I’m not doing that. If my brother finds out, he’ll break my legs. You should just focus on the competition. By the way, I came to tell you something”
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“What?”
“I’ve decided to quit. I sent my resignation to your inbox. Tomorrow will be my last day at XEG”
Jillian had come to deliver this in person.
“What? You’re quitting? Why?” Zora asked, stunned. “I’ve given you a great position–lead designer the moment you returned from abroad. Not everyone gets that. I’ve treated you well, haven’t I?”
Jillian almost laughed. Treated her well?
Zora had only made her chief designer so she could push blame if things went wrong.
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Worse, Jillian had submitted her own designs to the competition under XEG, only to find out Zora had never turned in her application. She had been told she didn’t make the cut–when the truth was, Zora hadn’t even given her a chance.
That was all Jillian needed to see.
“Thanks for the opportunity, but maybe I’m just not cut out for this field. My parents are against it, too. I’m really sorry. You focus on the competition. Good luck.”
Jillian chose not to burn bridges. She took the loss gracefully and walked away, finally free.
Zora watched her leave, fuming.
It had to be Caitlin.
She must’ve bribed Jillian somehow and pulled her over to the other side.
That manipulative witch. Why does she always have to play dirty?
Meanwhile, Jillian felt lighter than she had in months. She found her brother near the stage–right as she ran into Hayden again.
“Mr. Klein, you’re here to watch the competition too?”
They had already exchanged contacts last time and gotten along pretty well.
“Of course. Want to sit with me?”
There happened to be an empty seat beside him, and he motioned for her to join.
“Sure”
Jillian accepted his offer and sat down beside him. Their eyes met for a brief second. Flustered, she quickly turned away.
Though neither of them said anything, a strange chemistry began to build in the space between them.
Hayden couldn’t stop glancing at her. There was something about her presence that pulled him in.
Leaning slightly closer, he asked, “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Jillian was caught off guard. She turned her head and nearly bumped into his lips. She blushed and replied quickly, “No, I
don’t. But… I did like someone once.”
She was honest. No point hiding it.
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“Who?” Hayden asked.
She gave a little laugh. “Sebastian, of course. But he’s with Caitlin now. I wish them the best.”
Hayden appreciated her honesty and simply smiled. Something between them shifted again–closer this time.
A few rows ahead, Simon and Wendy were also seated. Wendy wasn’t happy. For some reason, she’d been placed next to Benjamin.
She looked at her brother and whispered, “Hey, can we switch seats? I want to sit by you.”
“Sure.”
Simon didn’t care where he sat. Wendy got up to switch, but before she could move, a strong hand yanked her back into her
seat.
Startled, she turned to find Benjamin’s hand on her waist.
“What the hell are you doing?” she snapped. “I’m switching with my brother.”
Benjamin said nothing. He just let go and allowed the switch.
But the moment she settled into her new seat, she realized–he’d taken Simon’s place. He was now sitting right between them.
“What the hell? I said I don’t want to sit next to you. Can’t you take a hint?” Wendy snapped.
“But I *do* want to sit next to you,” Benjamin said, casually throwing an arm around her waist. She’d slimmed down a lot lately, and it made it easier for him to wrap his arm around her.
Wendy shoved his hand off, her face flushed with fury. “Keep your hands to yourself!”
Benjamin leaned in close and murmured against her ear, “So what, I can only use my *mouth* now?”
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