The dressing room returned to its peaceful state once again.
Natalie couldn’t figure out what could’ve possibly caused the sudden illness of the models.
She was certain,however,that the two models didn’t have any involvement.They had been carefully selected by her and Brandon,and weren’t likely to be manipulated by anyone.
Moreover,they didn’t look like they were faking their symptoms.Their straining and labored breaths had made it difficult for even Natalie herself to breathe.
Natalie,however,couldn’t think of any disease that could make two healthy adults suddenly fall ill at the same time and experience similar symptoms. That left just one possibility.The two models had been poisoned.
But who could be responsible for it?
At that moment,there were less than ten minutes left before her models took to the runway.
With every ticking of the clock,Natalie felt increasingly anxious,and her heart pounded faster and faster.
She kept telling herself to calm down but to no avail.Her fists were also clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her flesh,but she couldn’t feel the pain at all.
As Natalie was increasingly pressed for time,her agitation and restlessness multiplied.
Brandon caught sight of Natalie clenching her fists, and his expression immediately turned solemn.
He pried her fists open carefully and saw the deep marks on her palms.”I know you are anxious,but you shouldn’t hurt yourself,”he said in concern.
He then reached out and clasped Natalies hands tightly in his to prevent her from hurting herself again.
Natalie looked up and forced a smile.”Sorry,I’m just too nervous,”she mumbled distractedly.
Brandon did not anticipate such an accident to occur.He thought for a moment and suggested, “Tll get Sean to dispatch two models hereright now.
Don’t worry.
Natalie shook her head and rejected,”It’s too late. My designs are not suited for many models in the fashion industry.They would look sloppy on other models,even if we manage to hire any last-minute.” Natalie had been confident she could be on par with the world’s top designers with the exceptional models she hired.But now,her models had met an accident and could not attend the fashion show. There was probably no chance for her to win anymore.
“Don’t worry.I’ll get Sean to send some of the best models here.There are bound to be some that can satisfy your requirements,”Brandon said calmly as he dialed Sean’s number.
Natalie looked at the clock and smiled bitterly.”We only have five to six minutes before they takes to the runway.Even if Sean finds any models,they won’t be able to make it in time.”
Brandon had always prided himself as a strategist.
However,he was now faced with an urgent situation he could not resolve.Moreover,the situation concerned Natalie,making him more annoyed by his own helplessness.
Natalie pursed her lips and said solemnly,”It would be great if my two models could recover before the scheduled time.Although their performance may be affected,at least I still have a chance to showcase my designs.But …”
She glanced at the dressing room,which was tightly shut,before continuing,”But their condition seems very serious.They are unlikely to recover so quickly.”
Brandon frowned slightly.He was about to reply when a familiar voice interrupted him sarcastically,
“Hey,I just saw two models being carried out.Are they yours?’
Natalie and Brandon both turned around and saw
Mandy leaning on the doorway.She seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
She strutted arrogantly towards Natalie and mocked her,”Natalie,why does trouble seem to follow you?
Look, youve even embarrassed yourself internationally.”
Before Natalie could respond,Brandon had already fixed his glare on Mandy.
Mandy was fearless,except when it came to Brandon.He was too powerful and authoritative for her.When she felt his glare,her pride and arrogance instantly lowered.
Natalie wasn’t in the mood to entertain Mandy.She just glanced at Mandy coldly without saying a word
However,Mandy didn’t seem to mind.On the contrary,she raised her chin and boasted,”My models have already finished their catwalk.I think they showcased my designs really well.”
“Congratulations.Anything else?”Natalie responded calmly.
Mandy snorted and said arrogantly,”You can beg me to lend you my models.I might even consider agreeing if I’m in a good mood.”
Natalie was surprised by Mandy’s offer.”You want to lend me your models?Why?As far as I know, you’ve always wanted to beat me,”Natalie asked suspiciously.
Mandy crossed her arms and smirked.”Don’t worry.I’m confident my designs are better than yours.Besides,I want to beat you fair and square on the runway,not win by default because you couldn’t participate,”she answered haughtily.
Mandy fixed her gaze on Natalie with a smirk of superiority,enunciating each word for emphasis, “So,you should be begging me properly.If your pleas please me,I might let you borrow the models for this fashion show.”
As she finished her statement,she felt an icy shiver run down her spine.
Following this unsettling sensation,she found
Brandon glaring at her,his eyes filled with malice.
He scoffed,”You want Natalie to beg you?Keep dreaming.”
The icy glint in his eyes made Mandy shiver involuntarily.Her planned taunts died on her lips, swallowed down under Brandon’s piercing gaze.
“And if l don’t lend you the models,do you really believe your wife will have a chance?”she grumbled under her breath,her gaze lowered.
Suddenly,aspark ignited in Natalie’s eyes,her mind racing with a new idea.Her previously unfocused gaze now locked onto Mandy unflinchingly.
Feeling her heartbeat quicken under the intensity of Natalie’s stare,Mandy struggled to keep her cool. “What are you staring at?If you want the models, then start begging.And remember,if you let this opportunity slip,you’ll be left with regrets,”she blurted,maintaining a facade of composure.
Brandon’s eyes narrowed,a gleam of hostility surfacing as he prepared to retort.But before he could,Natalie’s eager voice cut in.”Did you say you would lend me the models?”
Mandy momentarily forgot about her fear of
Brandon,her smirk returning.”Who said I’d lend you the models?Do I look like the kind-hearted
Mother Teresa?What I meant was,if your begging amuses me,then I might consider letting you borrow the models.”
Finishing her sentence,Mandy lifted her chin, prepared to witness Natalie’s humiliating plea.
To her surprise,however,Natalie just flashed a faint smile,murmuring to herself,”Borrowing models, that’s a brilliant idea.Why didn’t I think of that before?”
Mandy,who didn’t quite catch Natalie’s words, furrowed her brows.”What did you say?”
Natalie quickly composed herself,her smile still in place.”You’re right,I can always borrow models. Thank you for the suggestion.”
Assuming this to be Natalie’s admission of defeat, Mandy beamed,saying,”You’re welcome.After all, I am a generous soul.”
Natalie chuckled,her spirits lifting,”Didn’t you just say you weren’t that kind-hearted?”
A flush of embarrassment momentarily swept across Mandy’s face,but she quickly resumed her haughty demeanor,snorting dismissively,”None of your business.Ill say whatever I please!”
Brandon,curious about Natalie’s sudden shift in mood,nudged her gently,whispering,”Did you figure out a solution?
Natalie turned her head towards Brandon,a playful grin playing on her lips
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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