Chapter 520
“Ah-!”
As Zora stepped down from the stage, her foot slipped and she tumbled forward hard.
The fall was sudden and completely ungraceful. Her dress tore at the hem, leaving her sprawled awkwardly on the floor- utterly humiliated.
Lying on the cold ground, she could feel every single person’s eyes fixed on her. This was the kind of moment people had nightmares about–a total public meltdown.
She wanted to disappear into the floor.
Thankfully, the pregnancy was still in its early stages, so she didn’t suffer any serious injury. But Zora, too embarrassed to open her eyes and face the world, simply pretended to pass out.
“Zora!”
Ximena rushed over in a panic, kneeling to help her up.
“Something happened! Miss Harris just collapsed!”
“That fall looked nasty!”
“Is she unconscious?”
The entire venue erupted into a wave of gasps and murmurs. Camera shutters clicked madly as reporters fought for the shot.
Ximena cradled her daughter’s face, lightly slapping her cheek. “Zora! Zora! Are you okay?”
Siegburg hurried over as well. “How is she?”
With all eyes on them–and reporters circling like vultures–there was no way Zora could “wake up” now.
“Quick! Someone help!”
Ximena called over assistants to carry Zora out discreetly.
The commotion passed quickly. The host stepped in to regain control of the scene and moved the event forward.
“The Expo Fashion Design Competition was judged with complete fairness and transparency. The results will remain as announced. Now, we invite the event organizers to present the awards!”
The organizers came onstage to award Caitlin and Justin their first and second place trophies. As for Zora’s third place trophy, it would be delivered to her privately.
With that, the competition officially came to a close. Guests began to leave the venue.
Caitlin led her team of models backstage and thanked each one personally. “Thank you all for your hard work. This trophy belongs to all of you too.”
The models beamed at her warmth and humility. Molly clapped her hands and called out, “Okay ladies, let’s get changed and remove the makeup! Caitlin’s taking us out for a feast!”
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9:48 pm &
Chapter 320
“Yes, ma’am!”
Everyone laughed and scattered to get ready. Justin stopped by to check in with Caitlin before heading out to coordinate things.
Once everything was settled, Caitlin had Molly take the entire team to the hotel restaurant she had reserved.
Sebastian arrived backstage to pick her up. He pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her cheek.
“My wife is the best of the best.”
“Thank you. Let’s go.”
Trophy in hand, Caitlin left the venue with Sebastian.
GT
That night, Caitlin went all out–she booked the entire Shangri–La restaurant. Every staff member who contributed to the competition, whether onstage or behind the scenes, was invited to enjoy a lavish seafood buffet.
Close friends gathered in a private room. Glasses clinked in a celebratory toast to Caitlin. Though she had promised Sebastian not to drink, she lifted her soda and toasted along with the group.
Laughter filled the room as the conversation turned, inevitably, to the drama of the day.
“Zora really humiliated herself,” Molly said between bites. “What was she thinking, trying to challenge Caitlin?”
“She’s too arrogant. And Caitlin put her in her place so fast it gave me whiplash,” Wendy added.
“She’s already gone viral online. People are asking if she forgot to take her meds this morning,” someone snorted.
Everyone kept chatting, laughing over the day’s chaos. Caitlin, however, remained quiet. She had no interest in kicking Zora while she was down.
Yes, Zora had been thoroughly humiliated. Yes, Caitlin had given her a harsh lesson.
But knowing Zora’s stubbornness, Caitlin doubted today would be enough to make her truly reflect or change.
If anything, Zora would probably blame everything on her.
And she was right.
Zora had been taken home by her mother and was now curled up on the couch, crying like a child.
Ximena sat beside her, rubbing her back gently. “That’s enough, Zora. You’ve learned your lesson today. From now on, think more carefully before you act. Don’t challenge Caitlin again. Let it go.”
“Don’t tell me what to do! Are you even my mom? Whose side are you on? I got publicly humiliated by Caitlin and all you want to do is lecture me!”
Zora turned on her mother, furious that she wasn’t taking her side.
“I am” on your side!” Ximena sighed. “Everything I do is for you. You’re my daughter. I want you to be okay.”
“Just stop! I’ve already lost everything. I’ve been kicked out of the design world. What do I do now? How do I even face people?”
“You don’t have to be a designer. You can run the company. Focus on management. Leave it all behind.”
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9:48 pm
Chapter 520
“How can I leave it all behind? This is all Caitlin’s fault. She ruined me!”
Ximena’s face grew serious. “Don’t blame Caitlin. In fact, we owe her. If we’re going to survive what’s coming, it’ll be because of her. Don’t you get that?”
“I don’t get it. Why should we rely on her?”
Ximena sighed deeply. She had no choice but to explain everything.
She told Zora the truth–about Shadow Moon Pavilion, and Zora’s real father.
When Zora heard it, she froze.
“You’re saying… my father is Zorro? The leader of Shadow Moon Pavilion?”
Ximena nodded solemnly.
“But he doesn’t know you’re his daughter. And if he sends assassins to the US, we’re finished. The only way to survive this is to ally with Caitlin. Do you understand now?”
Zora didn’t respond.
She sat in silence, her mind spinning.
If Caitlin was planning to fight Shadow Moon Pavilion… and Zorro, its leader, was her biological father…
Then why should she side with Caitlin at all?
Why not go directly to her father?
Her mother had clearly been brainwashed by Caitlin. She couldn’t be trusted anymore.
Zora wouldn’t say any of this out loud, of course. Instead, she played along.
“I understand, Mom. So… where is Shadow Moon Pavilion based? What does Zorro look like? Do you have a picture?”
Ximena didn’t hesitate. She fetched a photo and handed it to Zora.
Zora stared at the image, her eyes narrowing.
This man–her father–was a powerful Earl. A man of influence and authority.
With him behind her, what did she have to fear?
Why should she tremble in front of Caitlin?
No. She was going to find her father.
She was going to secure the most powerful backing she could get.
And then–only then–she would return.
And crush Caitlin beneath her feet.
But Zora’s schemes never had the chance to unfold.
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1:48 pm £
Chapter 320
Reality was already preparing to strike her down.
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