Chapter 276

The moment Hannah announced the Metamorphosis lingerie show, the internet erupted.

Across forums and social media, audiences split into two sharply divided camps.

Some female users cheered with excitement, while others rolled their eyes, accusing Hannah of "stirring up drama right after clearing her name."

Meanwhile, in Vincent's office, a real-time media analytics report on the Metamorphosis show scrolled steadily across the expansive screen.

Vincent's sharp gaze swept over jarring phrases like "desperate stunt" and "cheap publicity," though his expression gave nothing away.

Derek stood silently nearby.

"The buzz is intense," Vincent remarked in a low

unreadable tone.

His eyes paused at a single, easily overlooked line near the bottom of the report: "Final headliner rumored to be international supermodel Alice Dubois.Not yet confirmed."

Looking up, his voice calm but commanding, he said "Check Alice Dubois's public itinerary for the next month. I want to know if anything overlaps with Hannah's."

"On it," Derek responded and then exited swiftly and without a word more.

Hannah hadn't anticipated her conversation with Alice to unfold so seamlessly.

Alice had been visibly moved-both by Hannah's authenticity and by the bold, empowering vision behind Metamorphosis. The custom storyline, The Queen of Metamorphosis, struck a personal chord with her desire for true self-expression.

"Ms. Scott," Alice said, taking a sip of coffee, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Metamorphosis isn't just a fashion show-it's a statement. I'm obsessed.It actually gave me goosebumps. I'm in."

Overjoyed, Hannah immediately instructed her legal team to draft the most favorable contract terms possible. The very next day, she hand-delivered the final documents to the luxury suite where Alice and her agent were staying.

Hannah was already brimming with ideas for the headline announcement that would set the internet ablaze. But the moment she stepped into the suite,she sensed a shift in atmosphere.

Alice still looked radiant, her smile warm, her demeanor kind-but when Hannah handed over the contract and pen, a faint hesitation shadowed her features.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Scott..." Alice said softly, her lips tightening as she exchanged a glance with her agent.

Her agent, Vicki Langford, stepped forward with a

smooth, professional expression. "Ms. Scott, I'm afraid we won't be able to sign today. Something unexpected came up last night. Alice just finalized an exclusive endorsement deal with another major brand. For the time being, all her commercial appearances and image usage must be cleared by that company first."

Vicki offered a diplomatic smile. "So for now, she won't be able to sign this personal runway contract."

The fire inside Hannah cooled in an instant. Still, not the slightest hint of surprise or frustration flickered on her face. Her expression merely sharpened, calm and composed, as she closed the contract.

"I see," Hannah replied evenly, voice steady and deliberate. Her gaze fixed on Alice. "Then what we'll need next is a formal authorization from your new agency."

Alice's regret was evident. She offered a sincere apology. "Ms. Scott, I really do love your show-the concept is brilliant. But I can't violate the terms. The contract | signed has very strict exclusivity clauses."

Lowering her voice slightly, she added, "Their legal team plays hardball. But... maybe if you reached out to my new employer directly, there could still be room for discussion."

"Which company?" Hannah asked.

"Jones Group," Vicki answered without missing a beat.

Hannah went still. She hadIn't seen that coming.

Later that day, Hannah arrived at the Jones Group headquarters-alone. The private elevator carried her straight to the executive floor.

As though anticipating her arrival, Derek was already waiting. He greeted her politely, then led her to the office door and gave a soft knock.

"Come in," came the low, familiar voice from inside.

Hannah stepped in.

Vincent sat at his desk, casually flipping through paperwork, every movement measured and

composed.Only when he heard her footsteps did he look up. Those deep, unreadable eyes met hers, calm and deliberate.

"Ms. Scott. What a surprise," he said slowly, his tone low and edged with lazy amusement. "Is this about Alice?"