"So, every time I hurt her, it was because you set it up," Sebastian said, his voice deep with regret.


    Joanna smiled and shook her head. "It didn''t require any effort from me, Sebastian. The scales in your heart were already tipped. It was because you had me in your heart that you would hurt her so recklessly to protect me. I know Natalie''s temper. Even if she never marries, she will never marry you."


    Sebastian shuddered. He knew better than anyone that Natalie would never forgive him.


    He looked at herzily. "Joanna, I will do everything in my power to get her back."


    Joanna''s eyes flew open.


    Sebastian just smiled and walked away.


    Joanna stumbled back a few steps, crestfallen.


    Sebastian had said he would do everything in his power to win Natalie back.


    Had Sebastian finally realized he was in love with Natalie?


    Truthfully, even when Sebastian hadn''t divorced Natalie, Joanna knew he cared about her.


    She just hadn''t wanted to dwell on it back then, thinking Sebastian could never give her up.


    Horace approached her and spoke in a low voice, "Ma''am, thepetition is about to start. We should go in. Mr. Sterling has been looking forward to this. If you can take first ce today, he can help you rehab your image."


    Horace added softly, "Ma''am, Mr. Sterling has already arrived. He''s over there watching. He looked very pleased when Mr. Griffith was acting so affectionately toward you just now."


    Joanna took a deep breath. She was confident she could win first ce in thispetition.


    She gave Mr. Sterling a slight smile before turning and entering the venue.


    She was sure that this time, she would crush Natalie under her heel and show Sebastian who was truly the best.


    Thepetition format was for each designer to present five outfits worn by models. A panel of judges and teachers would score them from the audience, and there was also an online votingponent.


    Designs were presented anonymously, identified only by a number. The highest score would win this year''s Fashion Cup.


    Thepetition was straightforward and began at 9:00 AM.


    Natalie and Susan met backstage.


    Susan had brought five models, all of whom she had personally trained.


    "Natalie, I''ve brought the models for you. Where are the clothes you designed?"


    Natalie had Luna take the models to get ready.


    Natalie was grateful. "Susan, thank you so much for bringing your models to help me."


    "Hey, what''s there to thank me for? Those ten male models you gave me have made my agency a lot money heard your spring collection is amazing, too. My


    agency is participating in the spring fashion show, so let''s work together then."


    Susan felt that ever since she''d stopped being so boy-crazy, she''d been thriving Every event, every coboration had been smooth and profitable.


    Natalie smiled and tapped her on the nose. "That''s great! With you around,


    I can just kick back and rx right?


    Gontent


    Susan felt that Natalie had truly, truly be much more rational since leaving Sebastian.


    Before, whenever she tried to make ns, Natalie was always busy.


    Her life revolved around Sebastian, 24/7.


    To hear her talk about taking it easy now was genuinely surprising.


    She really couldn''t be that lovesick girl anymore.


    Losing yourself for love means you lose so much more.


    "Oh, you! You''d use a great money-making opportunity to just lie around?"


    Natalie actually had a wish. She smiled mysteriously. "Susan, do you know what my greatest wish is?"


    Susan''s eyes lit up with curiosity. "What is it?"