Chapter 34
Hearing what Brock said. Ophelia scoffed to herself. Staring at him, she said, “I don’t have proof, and you know I don’t. That’s why you’ve felt so comfortable basking in the glory of the sketchbook all these years. But the moment you saw me, the guilt kicked in because deep down, you know none of this belongs to you.”
“Ophelia, don’t push your luck. I’m offering to help you because we grew up together. The offer from the Royal College of Design was rightfully mine, and those dresses were designed by the Brock’s voice grew louder, almost desperate to hammer the point home.
He was always careful, worried that Ophelia might be recording their conversation. But Ophelia wasn’t doing anything. She just watched him with a calm smile and snapped. “You get me here because you’re out of ideas, aren’t you? All these promises you’re making are just your way of trying to get me to do your dirty work.
“Nonsense! Why would I need a nobody like you?” Brock scoffed, but the defensive tone didn’t escape her notice.
“Of course you’d say that. Ophelia thought. She then said to him “Oh, good to know. Then let’s just focus on the competition, and no funny business.” She stood up and walked out of the office. She knew getting the sketchbook back was nearly impossible. Greedy people would never be satisfied. But giving him a little warning still seemed necessary.
As Brock watched her leave, he felt a flicker of doubt about her words, though one thing was clear–she wasn’t as easy to manipulate as she used to be. He figured he needed to find someone else to help with his plan.
Meanwhile, in a private ward at the hospital, Nathan lay in bed, bandaged up with gauze wrapped around his head and his right arm in a sling across his chest. His mouth was still bruised, and his swollen eyes barely allowed him to see. His whole face was so swollen that it was hard to even recognize him.
He had been beaten up after a drunken night out, but it didn’t take a genius to guess who was behind it. Making me apologize and record it? That venomous bitch, Nathan cursed inwardly.
If regular muscle couldn’t handle her, then he’d pay for something more serious. Struggling to work his phone with his one good hand, Nathan placed a bounty on the dark web. In places like that, as long as the money was alluring, there was nothing they wouldn’t do. He’d make Ophelia pay for this.
The next day, Fashion Designer aired. Though the name was pretty cheesy, it still managed to pull decent ratings thanks to all the big–name celebrities involved.
Online, the designers weren’t getting much attention–everyone was focused on the celebrities. But, as with any show, nothing could stop fans from shipping couples. Soon enough, fans started creating all sorts of pairings. Even Ophelia wasn’t spared–she and Sharon were dubbed “Poker Face Allies by netizens. Of course, Ophelia hadn’t heard any of this yet.
With Kenneth still on his business trip, Ophelia stayed at the studio over the weekend. Lisa came by every day to bring her food. After a few trips, she ended up making enough for Wyatt and Chloe too.
“Ms. Ophelia, Mr. Kenneth specifically instructed me to take your meals seriously,” Outside of the house, Lisa avoided calling her “Mrs. Sinclair to keep things casual, and besides, “Ms. Ophel just felt warmer, “Every time you eat with Mr. Kenneth. he notices if you take more than three bites of a dish. He’s told us to make sure your meals suit your tastes.”
Ophelia looked down at the food, all of which was her favorite. The sight relaxed her, easing some of the stress from her busy schedule. ‘I wonder how much Kenneth pays Lisa. She’s singing his praises even behind his back, she thought, amused. And she suddenly realized that she didn’t even have Kenneth’s WhatsApp.
Chloe was similar to Ophelia in a lot of ways–if no one brough something up, she wouldn’t ask. Eventhough she knew Ophelia’s boyfriend had a complicated background, she never pled.
14:45 Mon, Nov 11 +
Chapter 34
Soon, it was time to record the second episode. By now, the designers had gotten to know each other better, and as they chatted in the waiting room, they discussed the online commen Some were happy, while others were more anxious.
Marilyn came over to greet Ophelia with a grin. “Ms. Spencer, I saw the stuff about you and Sharon online. They’re calling you two Poker Face Allies. That’s funny”
Ophelia wasn’t used to being called “Ms. Spencer, so she said, “You can just call me by my name, or Elia, if you like.” She preferred it when people addressed her more casually,
“Alright, you can call me Mara, Marilyn replied.
They chatted for a bit before the director came in, looking noticeably more cheerful than last time–likely pleased with the show’s ratings.
“Guys, I’m going to announce your pairs, Cameron said. Everyone held their breath, terrified of being paired with Brock. Losing to him would almost guarantee elimination.
“Marilyn vs. Brock,” Cameron announced.
Marilyn’s expression suddenly froze, while the rest of the room collectively sighed in relief. Someone tried to comfort her and said. “Relax, at least you’ll learn a lot from going up against Brock.”
Marilyn bit her lip, looking like she was doomed. Brock, however, suddenly turned to Marilyn and flashed her a charming smile. For a girl in her early twenties, it was too much to handle her heart started racing.
“Ophelia vs. Daniel, Cameron called next. When Daniel heard Ophelia’s name, he glanced around, and as soon as he spotted her, he burst into laughter and rolled his eyes dramatically. “That’s too easy, seriously, he scoffed. Ophelia maintained her stone–cold look and said nothing in response.
The drawing process wrapped up quickly, and with that, the shoot for the day was over. Over the next couple of days, the production team would visit the designers‘ studios or homes to film behind–the–scenes content. Ophelia didn’t want to reveal her identity as La Reverie’s designer too soon–it would just turn Brock into a bigger problem. So she rented a hotel suite instead.
She had barely gotten the room card when Kenneth made a call to her. Judging by the time, it should be around 2 am in Milagia.
“Do you miss me?” His voice was deep and lazy,
“Mhm, replied Ophelia.
“Mhm? Is that a yes or no? Say you miss me,” added Kenneth,
And just like that, they ended up talking for over ten minutes, a conversation full of light, meaningless chatter.
“If it’s inconvenient staying at Rosewood Manor, I’ve got a small apartment you can use. Cancel the hotel. I’ll have someone send you the keys,” Kenneth suggested.
“That’s not necessary, Ophelia explained for a while, trying to convince him that it was just for a show shoot. But Kenneth wouldn’t budge. Before the call even ended, someone was already delivering the keys to her. She shook her head and accepted it.
“Oh, by the way, do you use WhatsApp? Ophelia suddenly asked
“WhatsApp? Yeah, sure,” replied Kenneth.
“Let’s add each other, then,‘ said Ophelia.
“Okay,” Kenneth answered.
14:45 Mon, Nov 11 t.
Chapter 31
After Kenneth hung up–he–igimediately called Mark, who was fast asleep. Mark was used to getting woken up in the middle of the night, and within a few minutes, he was standing in front of Kenneth.
Kenneth tossed his phone toward Mark and said, “Register WhatsApp for me!
Mark thought helplessly, ‘He woke me up in the middle of the night… just to help him register for WhatsApp
“Once you’re done, add Ophelia.” Kenneth added, not noticing Mark’s mild frustration.
Mark took a deep breath but knew better than to complain.
Kenneth casually remarked, “Your car looks like it needs replacing, doesn’t it?”
Suddenly wide awake, Mark wasted no time, downloaded WhatsApp, and got everything set up. He then said, “Mr. Sinclair, what nickname do you want to use?”
Annoying, Kenneth replied.
“Got it,” said Mark
Meanwhile, in Dellanex, Ophelia received a WhatsApp message from Kenneth.
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