Chapter 216

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her shoulders relaxing. "Thank goodness."

Her gaze lifted to the stage where Nathan stood silhouetted against the spotlight. The glare obscured his features, but his steady voice resonated clearly through her earpiece.

Suddenly, everything clicked into place.

Nathan's address stretched to an unprecedented fifteen minutes - triple the allocated time slot.

Yet not a single journalist showed restlessness. His words painted an electrifying vision for Sterling Enterprises' future that held the entire audience captive, especially Pamore's representatives.

"Director Hawthorne, what's happening?" Donovan whispered urgently. "Why is Mr. Sterling's speech running so long?"

Julian suspected deliberate delay, though he dismissed the notion that mere minutes could alter their carefully laid plans. "Do we have contingency measures?"

Donovan smirked. "Everything's under control. This fashion show will implode spectacularly."

The moment Nathan concluded, the first wave of models prepared for their entrance.

Then chaos erupted.

"Ms. Carter!" A panicked assistant rushed over. "Emergency! The lead model for the floral bodycon ensemble just injured her foot!"

Evelyn shot up. "What? Where is she?"

In the dressing room, the designated model lay curled on the floor, clutching her bleeding foot with tear-streaked cheeks.

"First aid kit! Now!" Evelyn commanded. The assistant scrambled to comply.

"How did this happen?" Evelyn demanded as she applied pressure.

"I don't know!" The model sobbed. "There was a razor blade hidden in my heels! My segment's next - I can't walk like this!"

Ice flooded Evelyn's veins. This was sabotage.

"Can you stand at all?"

A miserable head shake answered her.

Olivia groaned. "This is catastrophic! Where do we find a replacement now? That dress requires specific proportions!"

Evelyn's eyes locked onto the scandalously fitted garment. A wild idea took root. "Prep my makeup. Now."

Olivia's face lit with understanding. "Brilliant! You're perfect for this!"

Evelyn nodded grimly. Desperate times.

Onstage, the opening collection already sparked murmurs of awe. Gasps rippled through the crowd as traditional pottery motifs merged with puppet theater influences in breathtaking silhouettes.

"My God! They've transformed cultural heritage into wearable art!"

"That dance-inspired embroidery is revolutionary!"

"These pieces will dominate next season's trends!"

Camera flashes erupted like fireworks as journalists documented each revolutionary design.

Meanwhile, backstage...

Evelyn stood before the mirror, the bodycon dress clinging to her curves like liquid art. The makeup artist worked frantically to transform her into the collection's showstopper.

"Thirty seconds!" a stage manager called.

Olivia squeezed her hand. "You've got this."

Evelyn inhaled deeply. The show must go on.