Chapter 94

Serena's POV

Vincent's knock interrupted my thoughts. "Ms. Sinclair, the social media analysis report you requested."

"Thank you, Walter." I accepted the folder, my eyes immediately finding the key metrics. The downward trend in negative coverage about Jace Gillard was exactly what I'd expected. "Harrington International stepped in?"

"Yes. The negative stories have been effectively suppressed over the past week."

A slight smile curved my lips. "Of course. Jace really knows how to play the game." I closed the report. Harrington International wouldn't support Eleanor in the entertainment industry, but they'd naturally move to suppress any scandal involving Jace. It didn't cause too much impact overall, given that Jace Gillard was primarily a behind-the-scenes worker. Even with the negative publicity, the fallout was limited. Eleanor actually benefited from the situation - her position as the victim earned her public sympathy, making it something of a blessing in disguise.

The drama surrounding Ian and Nina had similarly faded from the headlines. Ian had indeed played it "smart" in this situation. But his methods were truly despicable.

My phone buzzed with a new email notification. The Battle of the Needle - official contestant confirmation. I scanned the details: thirty-two contestants, twelve episodes, and a prize that included premium advertising rights in NBC's top-rated variety shows. But the real value wasn't in the obvious reward - it was the platform, the exposure, the chance to elevate my designs beyond the shadow of the Sinclair name.

"Vincent, clear my schedule for the preliminary filming dates," I said, already mentally cataloging the designs I'd been reserving for the right moment.

The studio was exactly what I'd expected - professional chaos carefully orchestrated for maximum dramatic effect. Cameras and lighting equipment created a maze of technical precision, while production assistants scurried about with clipboards and headsets.

I'd barely finished signing the final paperwork when I heard her voice - sweet as artificial sweetener and just as synthetic.

"Serena, what a surprise!" Nina's practiced smile was firmly in place as she approached, every movement calculated for the cameras I knew were already rolling. "I had no idea you'd be here."

I met her gaze coolly. "Nina. How unexpected." The irony in my voice was subtle enough to maintain plausible deniability, but clear enough that I saw the flicker in her eyes.

She probably saw the show as a chance for redemption, backed by whatever resources our father and the Whitmore family could provide.

"Good luck with the competition," I said, my smile distant. "I'm sure it will be... enlightening."

I didn't expected to see Evelyn Whitmore here. She sauntered over, surrounded by her entourage of assistants, her voice dripping with mockery. "What a coincidence running into you here of all places."

The sight of her caught me off guard, though I supposed I should have anticipated her presence at this event. It made perfect sense - the show producers had specifically avoided casting A-list celebrities, instead opting for a mix of former stars whose fame had faded and perpetual B-list actresses. With the format pairing celebrities with regular people, no current top-tier star would risk having their spotlight stolen by an unknown partner.

Evelyn's POV

*I don't expect to see Serena here, Does she really think running a clothing company gives her the right to enter a designer competition? It's absolutely ridiculous!*

I drawled, letting my lips curl into a cold smile. "Well, what an unpleasant surprise," I deliberately looked Serena up and down. "I didn't expect to find you in a place like this."

Serena's expression didn't change. "Evelyn," she acknowledged me with infuriating calm. "I see you're still spending more time on your appearance than your talent."

"You know, Serena," I stepped closer, letting my voice drop to a venomous whisper, "confidence is one thing, but arrogance? In front of millions of viewers? You're setting yourself up for quite a fall."

She met my gaze steadily. "You should worry more about yourself, Evelyn. From what I know of Jace, he's not fond of women who cause stir up trouble."

My fingers tightened around my clutch. The memory of that 4 AM phone call flashed through my mind - Jace's voice, distant and calm, discussing our "relationship" like it was just another business arrangement. Which, of course, it had been. The carefully staged photos, his perpetual coldness, the way his eyes would drift to Eleanor whenever she was near...

I still can't figure out what's really going on between Jace and Eleanor. The news reports suggested they were involved, and I'd noticed their suspicious closeness before. But when their relationship became public, why would Jace rather tarnish his own reputation than admit to it?

I didn't waste time dwelling on it though. As far as I'm concerned, just having Jace date me is enough. I'm confident that once we're together, he'll definitely fall in love with me. How could he not?

But this past week since our relationship became official has been... different than I expected. Jace hasn't reached out to me even once. Every time I text or call, he brushes me off with excuses about being busy. He barely acknowledges me at all.

I was already feeling unsettled about the whole situation, so when Serena had the nerve to point it out in front of everyone, she hit a raw nerve. If there weren't so many witnesses around, I swear I could have strangled her right then and there!

The casual mention of his name sent a spike of rage through me, I fight to maintain my composure. "Oh? And how would you know what Jace likes?"

"We had drinks at Lucas's birthday party," she replied with a small smile that made my blood boil. "You should have been there. Oh wait - you weren't invited, were you?" then she walked away.

My vision blurred with fury. Lucas Harrington. Was She deliberately bringing up Lucas to intimidate me? After all, Lucas and Jace's relationship was anything but ordinary.

Forcing my attention to Nina, I switched tactics. "Nina, darling," I said sweetly, though my voice was tight. "Remember who you're representing here. The Whitmore Group has invested quite heavily in your public image - more than mine, actually. Don't disappoint us."

"Of course, Evelyn," she replied smoothly. "Ian and I are basically a package deal now. Clear my name, and his reputation gets cleared too. Plus, if I win this major award representing the Whitmore family, it'll bring glory to our entire family name."

she paused, then continued with growing confidence, "When I was at StarRiver, I never truly showed my full potential. How could I, working under Serena? The thought of it was insufferable. But this time... this time I'll give it my all. I'll absolutely stun everyone with what I can really do!"