Chapter 516
Zora’s hand froze mid–air. She turned her head and was stunned to see who had grabbed her wrist–it was none other than
Thomas.
Her expression shifted quickly as she pulled her hand back and forced a smile. “Mr. Quick! I didn’t know you’d be coming!”
Thomas held a bouquet of flowers in one hand, his voice cool and even. “If I didn’t come, how else would I witness such a lovely scene? Quite the temper, Miss Harris.”
“Heh… no, no, it’s just a misunderstanding. I was just trying to give the models some direction. They didn’t follow instructions and made mistakes during the show…”
Zora hurried to explain, trying to salvage her image. She then looked at the flowers in his hand with feigned delight. “Oh- are those for me?”
She reached out for them, but Thomas didn’t hand them over. “They’re not. Sorry. I’m here to watch the show.”
With that, Thomas turned and left without giving her a chance to stop him.
“Mr. Quick… Mr. Quick…”
Zora called after him, but he didn’t look back.
Watching him walk off in another direction, Zora knew exactly where he was headed–Caitlin.
She was about to explode.
Why? Why did every man always end up going to Caitlin?
Still seething, she turned around only to see Connor approaching with a bouquet of his own.
“Zora, these are for you!”
Receiving Connor’s flowers gave her a sliver of satisfaction and saved her some face.
Ximena, watching from nearby, frowned. As soon as Connor left the room, she pulled Zora aside.
“Zora. Come here.”
Once they were alone, Ximena questioned her sharply. “What exactly is going on between you and the young master of the Jackson family?”
“We’re just friends,” Zora answered, a little too quickly.
“Friends? Friends who give you roses and wrap their arms around you?” Ximena pressed.
“Mom, seriously? Don’t I have the right to date whoever I want?”
Zora was clearly annoyed, feeling like her mother was micromanaging her life again.
“You’ve changed, Zora. You used to look down on guys like Connor–shallow, spoiled rich kids. You had ambition, ideals, education, class. Now look at you. Getting involved with someone like him? Where is your self–respect?”
Ximena’s voice was filled with disappointment. She knew her daughter once had feelings for Sebastian. Even if she couldn’t have him, she should’ve aimed higher, not fallen so far.
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Chapter 516
Connor was a party boy, the last kind of man she wanted her daughter with.
At the mention of “self–respect,” Zora’s anger flared. Her mother sounded exactly like Caitlin–and that drove her up the wall.
“I don’t want to hear it, Mom. I’m an adult. I know what I’m doing.”
She tried to brush off the conversation, but just then, her stomach twisted, and she let out a dry retch.
“Urgh…”
She clutched her mouth, trying to hold it back.
“What’s going on? Are you sick?” Ximena asked, concerned.
“It’s nothing. Just some stomach issues. I’ve got other things to take care of.”
Zora tried to leave, but Ximena grabbed her arm, her tone suddenly serious.
“Tell me the truth. Are you pregnant?”
“Mom, no! Why would you think that?”
“Don’t lie to me. I’ve had children–I know exactly what that reaction means. Now tell me, or we’re going straight to the hospital for a test!”
Zora had no choice. She sighed and admitted, “Fine. Yes, I’m pregnant.”
“Whose child is it? Is it Connor’s?”
Zora didn’t answer.
In truth, the baby was Abel’s. But Abel had become utterly useless–not to mention facing criminal charges and likely headed for prison. There was no way she could link herself to him now.
Yes. It’s Connor’s.”
23
Connor would be the perfect scapegoat. In a few weeks, once they’d been dating over a month, she’d break the news to him.
That little bastard! I’m going to find him right now!”
‘Mom‘ Don’t!”
Ximena turned to storm off, but Zora clung to her arm.
“Mom, I’m serious about Connor. Don’t go to him like this. He already said he’ll take responsibility. If you make a scene, and this gets out–I swear I’ll die of shame!”
Seeing her daughter like this, Ximena let out a long, exhausted sigh. Only a mother could understand the mixture of love, helplessness, and anger she felt
In the end, she said nothing more, only telling Zora to think carefully about her next steps. Zora promised that with time, she’d handle it all.
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Chapter 516
Meanwhile, Caitlin was preparing for her show. Thomas arrived just as she was giving the final pep talk to her models
“Don’t overthink it Just walk like you always do. Show your confidence After the show, dinner’s on met
“Thank you, Caitlin!”
“Thanks, Caitlin‘”
Everyone was in good spirits, their nerves eased by her leadership
“All right, Molly will take you all to the prep area.”
With Caitlin’s nod, the models followed Molly out
As Caitlin, Sebastian, and James were about to head toward the stage, they ran into Thomas at the door.
“Hey, Thomas!”
“Caitlin! I came to see your show.”
He handed her the bouquet. Caitlin smiled and accepted it.
Thank you! These are beautiful.”
As she moved to set them aside, she noticed a Pagani car key tucked into the bouquet.
Thomas what’s this?”
A replacement for the car you lost. I hope you like it. It’ll be delivered to your place later.”
This is too much…”
Caitlin knew exactly how much a Pagani cost–and the key alone told her it was a limited edition.
“It’s just a car. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be offended.”
For Thomas, it really wasn’t a big deal.
“Thank you really Then I’ll gladly accept. Why don’t you and Sebastian go watch the show together? It’s about to start,”
“Sounds good”
Thomas and Sebastian left for the venue while Caitlin headed backstage with James and Zinnia.
Finally, it was Caidin’s turn to take the stage.
The lights dimmed and shifted into cool blue hues. The screen lit up with images of snow–capped mountains
A haunting, ethereal melody began playing, and a voice echoed as if calling from the peaks–soft, distant, and soul–stirring.
Through gentle mist and cascading lights, models clad in pale, minimalist outfits began stepping onto the runway.
They moved like spirits of the mountains, guardians descending from the highlands with quiet grace.
Compared to the bright colors and bold statements of previous collections–and Zora’s heavy, ornate style–Caitlin’s collection was a revelation in simplicity.
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Chapter 316
It was a return to purity, a reminder of beauty in restraint
Zora, seated in the front row, was stunned.
Het initial shock was quickly followed by a deep sense of dread.
She hadn’t expected Caitlin to go in the complete opposite direction of her own approach.
Zora had chosen grandeur and extravagance; Caitlin had stripped everything down to elegance and serenity.
In terms of design alone, Caitlin was clearly a step ahead.
What now?
How could Zora possibly turn the tables?
How could she win against this?
