Chapter 301
“Hannah, do you really think you’re still some hotshot celebrity?” The organizer, Ollie Carter, let out a mocking laugh, full of contempt.
“Your market value has tanked. Half the brands have dropped you. We’re the only ones who didn’t write you off. If it weren’t for us, you wouldn’t even have this event to boost your visibility. And you’ve got the nerve to be picky with me? You think you’re still someone important?”
Hannah bit her lip, shooting him a cold glare.
Of course. Ever since she fell out with Dominic, he’d cut off all her resources, deliberately trying to make things hard for her. He wanted to force her to crawl back and beg for forgiveness.
But Hannah was never the type to bow her head.
So lately, she’d been hustling to book her own appearances. It had taken forever for her to land the gig at this event, and she’d prepped hard, determined to show up looking, her best.
And yet, the outfit they handed her wasn’t a dress; it was an insult.
No way she was swallowing this humiliation. “You can wear this outfit yourself. I’m done!”
Hannag turned on her heel, heading for the door.
But before she could step out of the dressing room, Ollie’s voice stopped her. “Sure, walk out. But not before you pay the penalty.
11
Her steps faltered.
“Don’t forget, you signed a contract. You’re obligated to show up and promote the cars. If you leave now, that’s a breach. The penalty is ten times your appearance fee. You really think you can afford that in your situation?”
Hannah’s hands clenched at her sides. “This is extortion!”
“Hey, don’t throw around accusations. We’ve got everything in writing. You signed the contract yourself. Even if we take this to court, we’ll still come out clean.”
She looked at the smug curve of his lips and felt sick to her stomach.
But she really couldn’t come up with the penalty fee right now. Besides, she needed this opportunity. Without exposure, she’d lose all her value and be indefinitely shelved.
“Ms. Cole, I’m doing this for your own good. If you dress plainly, how would you ever make it onto the trending list?”
Ollie hooked a finger around the black lace outfit and held it up in front of Hannah. “Think it over carefully.”
Then he slammed the door shut behind him.
Hannah stood there alone, staring at the revealing outfit on the table. She was silent for a long time. Then she exhaled slowly and reached out her hand.
A Rolls–Royce pulled up to the venue. Gregory stepped out first, then held out his hand for Anathea.
She placed her hand in his without hesitation. As they made their way up the stairs, Gregory’s hand slid gently to her waist, steadying her. Instantly, the cameras turned their way.
At the same time, Dominic and Shirley, the heiress of the Watson family from Syntherra, appeared on camera.
All around them were voices filled with envy.
Chapter 301
+25 BONUS
“The Lancasters already dominate Syntherra’s elite circle, and the Watsons are just as powerful. If Mr. Lancaster and Ms. Watson are tying the knot, they’ll make a real power couple.”
“I heard the wedding’s at the end of this month. That’s really soon!”
Anathea listened to the chatter around her without much expression. But when she saw Dominic walking the red carpet arm–in- arm with Shirley, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Hannah.
Still, if Hannah had made up her mind to cut ties with Dominic, it just confirmed what kind of man he really was.
“You look deep in thought. What’s on your mind?” Gregory asked.
Anathea pulled her gaze back. “It’s nothing. Just thinking that Mr. Lancaster’s fiancee is quite pretty.”
even
“She’s alright, I guess,” Gregory said without glancing at Shirley. His eyes were fixed on Anathea. “You’re way more beautiful than her.”
Anathea was rendered speechless.
Just then, Shirley stepped up to greet them. “Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair, it’s a pleasure.”
Gregory ignored her completely. Meanwhile, Anathea gave her a polite nod and replied, “Likewise, Ms. Watson.”
