Chapter 215

The backstage area buzzed with frantic energy as the clock ticked down.

"What's the plan, Evelyn? The show starts in five minutes." Olivia paced nervously, her heels clicking against the floor.

Evelyn's fingers flew across the fabric, but the dress remained unfinished.

"Maybe we should request a delay from the organizers," Olivia suggested, wringing her hands.

Evelyn shook her head sharply. "Absolutely not. This show is make-or-break for our brand. Any delay would be disastrous."

"Then what? We can't just stand here!"

The needle flashed in Evelyn's hands as she worked faster. A sudden idea made her pause. "Unless... we create a diversion."

"With the show starting now? What kind of diversion would work?"

Backstage staff exchanged worried glances, but no one had solutions.

Evelyn's voice turned decisive. "Have the first-round models walk an extra lap. That'll buy us ten minutes."

Protests erupted immediately.

"The press will notice! They'll smell trouble backstage."

"This audience has industry heavyweights. One misstep and we're finished."

Beads of sweat dotted Evelyn's forehead, but her hands never stopped moving.

The opening music began.

On stage, the host's voice boomed through the speakers.

"It's starting. Nathan Sterling will give his welcome speech shortly. First-round models to positions!"

With no other choice, the models prepared to walk.

Olivia grabbed Evelyn's arm. "How much longer?"

Evelyn bit her lip. "Fifteen minutes."

Taking a deep breath, Olivia turned to the models. "Ladies, slow your pace out there. Stretch every second."

The models nodded and moved toward the stage.

Olivia watched as Nathan stepped into the spotlight, impeccably dressed. As the show's primary sponsor, his presence commanded attention.

Five minutes passed. Then ten.

Olivia checked her watch in disbelief. Nathan's speech continued well beyond the scheduled time.

"Evelyn... is Nathan stalling for us?"

Evelyn barely glanced up, her fingers finishing the final stitches. With a decisive snip of her scissors, she exhaled. "Done. It's finished."

Olivia gasped at the transformed gown. Though using less fabric, the design now flowed with breathtaking elegance.

"Model! Quick change!"

As the model rushed into the altered dress, Olivia checked the clock again. "We made it. Just in time."

Back on stage, Nathan concluded his speech precisely as the first model stepped onto the runway.