Nina’sughter rang through the air, her eyes sparkling with amusement at Victor’s persistent suggestion.
Ever since he came across her and her work, he had been nagging her to walk the runway. She appreciated his recognition, but her aspirationsy elsewhere.
“Thank you for thepliment,” she replied, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “But I’m morefortable working behind the scenes. Being the center of attention is not my forte.”
Victor’s disappointment was palpable in his expression. He had hoped to showcase her not just as a talented designer but also as an enchanting model, abination that could elevate her presence in the fashion world.
“I understand,” he conceded with a hint of remorse and shrugged. “Everyone has their path, and if yours is to weave magic through your designs, then I respect your choice.”
Nina nodded appreciatively, a sense of gratitude filling her heart.
“Thank you, Vic,” she said sincerely. “Rest assured, I will continue to pour my heart into my designs, and hope they continue to captivate and inspire.”
Victor offered her a warm smile.
“All right. Now, if you’re ready, let’s head into the hall and check out our splendid collection.”
—
The fashion runway was held in Aurora, the grandest studio in Spring City. Known for its impable design, it was the perfect backdrop to showcase the creations of Elysium Couture.
Anticipation was high, as celebrities, fashion influencers, and industry insiders came together for the spectacr showcase.
The red carpet was adorned with shing cameras, capturing the morous arrivals of the esteemed guests.
As the event grew closer, Nina felt her heart pounding with nervousness. She couldn’t help but wonder how her designs would be received by the audience.
The lights dimmed, and the audience hushed in anticipation. The music swelled and the first model emerged, strutting confidently down the catwalk.
One by one, the models unted bold prints, exquisite fabrics, and ingenious silhouettes. Each step they took exuded confidence, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of the music.
As she watched her designs gracefully make their way down the runway, Nina was gratified with an overwhelming sense of aplishment.
It was a pity, though, that there was no one to witness her achievements.
The show soon reached its climax.
Victor grabbed the mic and made his way to the center of the stage to address the crowd.
With a voice that carried authority and charisma, he began his speech. “Good evening,dies and gentlemen,”
“As the president of Elysium Couture, I am humbled and honored to stand here before you. I want to express my deepest gratitude to every one of you for gracing us with your presence tonight. The runway tonight has been a testament to the incredible talent within our industry.”
“Next, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the designers who offered their remarkable collections tonight,” Victor expressed with genuine admiration.
He paused for a moment, his gaze scanning the room before he continued, “Lastly, I would also like to thank the hardworking team behind the scenes-the stylists, makeup artists, models, and everyone who contributed to bringing these extraordinary designs to life. Your dedication and expertise have elevated this runway to new heights.”
Apuse and cheers reverberated throughout the studio, a resounding acknowledgment of the exceptional talent that had adorned the night.
As expected of the industry nobles, the runway was simply mind-blowing.
Following the runway show, the atmosphere shifted from the elegance of the studio to the vibrant energy of the after-party.
As tonight’s event was one of the most prominent events for the fashion industry, even the biggest financial leaders of the country dignified the event with their presence.
On the surface, such events were just for celebration. But in reality, it was an opportunity forworking, coboration, and the forging of new alliances.
The sound of lively conversations andughter filled the air as the business magnates, fashion designers, and celebrities moved seamlessly among the crowd.
They engaged in animated discussions, exchanging business cards, and forming connections that could shape the future of the country.
Victor personally introduced Nina to many industry insiders and influential figures.
“Sis, is that you?” suddenly someone eximed in the crowd, catching their attention
As the two navigated the crowd, they saw a middle-aged man approaching them, apanied by a young woman.
Nina thought hard to recall and was surprised to see a familiar figure in front of her.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.
It was Alyson, her step-sister, whom she hadn’t seen for a long time.
For a fleeting moment, Nina almost couldn’t recognize Alyson as thetter seemed to have gone through a series of stic surgeries. Again.
“Mr. Levigne. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The middle-aged man extended his hand toward Victor.
Victor shook his hand and replied. “Mr. Johnson, the pleasure’s all mine. Thank you foring.”
“This is my plus one for tonight, Alyson Santiago. Is this young woman your partner?”
Victor slowly rolled his head, neither admitting nor denying it. He turned to Nina instead and was quick to change the subject. “I heard thisdy call you sis earlier. Nina, do you know her?”
Nina fell silent. Before she could reply, they heard Alyson excitedly. “Sis, what a pleasant surprise! Why are you here?”
“Why? Are only dogs and you allowed here?” Nina folded her hands and replied nonchntly.
Alyson’s smile stiffened as she did not expect Nina to not give her face. “Sis, I don’t know how you got in, but this is a prestigious event. Not everyone cane in! It would be too bad for your reputation if the security here learns about it,” she remarked, her voiceced with thinly veiled disdain.
What she meant was that Nina had sneaked in uninvited.
As her gaze swept over Nina’s elegant attire and wless appearance, her eyes narrowed with jealousy.
“If I knew earlier, I would’ve brought you along with me. But…” she paused, hesitant to continue. “Ever since you ran away from the house, Mom and Dad have been worried sick looking for you.”
Nina was taken aback. “Ran away? As far as I remember, I was never a part of your family and I’ve always stayed on campus. And forgive me for being skeptical, but since when have your parents shown such concern for their step-child?”
Alyson immediately refuted. “Don’t say that, sis. I know you’re upset at them because our family isn’t as rich as before. Although we have tough times at home, it’s enough to feed all of us. Mom and Dad never med you for anything and hope that you cane back.”
Ever since Nina left their house, it was as if she had vanished without a trace. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t locate her whereabouts.
Their n to set her up had backfired, inviting the wrath of Mr. Lawson. His power began to wreak havoc on their family and their once-thriving business rapidly plummeted.
Her dreams of entering the entertainment industry were also on the verge of being shattered. Despite her efforts, she failed to secure a spot in the audition that could have been her ticket to fame.
It was at this lowest point in her life that she crossed paths with Mr. Johnson, the man who offered to sponsor her.
ording to Alyson, once they send that b**ch into Mr. Lawson’s bed, all of their problems would end.
A sneer quickly appeared at the corner of Nina’s mouth. “Your business is tight because you failed to suck up to that investor and incurred his wrath. How is that relevant to me??”
Nina was acutely aware of the dire situation the Santiagos were in.
With thebination of external market forces and Jayden fanning the mes, their business was on the verge of copsing.
The only reason they hadn’t gone bankrupt yet was because she did not exact revenge on them. This could be considered her final act of repayment for the time she spent under their roof.
They could still make aeback. However, the entire family was driven by greed and only looked for shortcuts.
Actually, if they were a little more capable, they wouldn’t have fallen into such a state where they were barely hanging by a thread.
“That’s because you didn’t give him a face, making him angry. But stooping so low to sell your dignity for a mere status…” she said thest sentence softly.
Nina squinted her eyes as a surge of anger coursed through her veins. She leaned closer to Alyson and said fiercely. “Excuse me? What did you say? Make yourself clear.”
Alyson stered on an innocent front, her eyshes fluttering as she exined. “Ever since we were young, you’ve desperately wanted to be a part of high society. But it’s immoral to be someone’s kept woman.”
Alyson’s voice wasn’t low. The people around obviously heard her and couldn’t help but look over.
The corner of her lips turned up when more and more people gathered around them.
Nina noticed the gazes from all around and frowned slightly.
Tonight was a significant event for her, and she did not want to make a scene. However, Alyson was hell-bent on drowning her reputation.
Her patience immediately wore thin, and she shot back. “Have you gone nuts? Do you think everyone is as disgusting as you are? Not everyone is willing to climb the socialdder and rely on others to pave their way.”
Alyson’s facade crumbled, her expressions revealing her jealousy. “But isn’t that why you’ve chosen to be with Mr. Lavigne? To secure your ce among the elites?” she probed, a touch of usationcing her words.
Why could Nina get to sleep with a young and handsome man while she had to be stuck with this middle-aged geezer?
Victor was first to be shocked by her usations, and his words immediately cut through the air like a razor. “Miss, watch your words. Nina and I have a professional rtionship. She is an intern at mypany and also one of the chief designers tonight.”