Chapter 285

The model Claude had endorsed was a remarkable pick-her figure and aesthetic resonated precisely with the vision VelaCore intended to express. Regrettably, the outcome veered from expectations.

"Ms. Scott," Meagan murmured regretfully, placing the phone down as she turned to Hannah, who had just stepped out of a meeting. "The model's agent just got back to me. She inked a solo agreement with an emerging global athletic label two days ago-at a premium offer."

The agent had conveyed genuine remorse, though business was business.

Hannah frowned slightly, tapping the table. Top-tier models-especially those who fit a niche brand vision-were always in short supply.

"Understood," she replied evenly without a hint of irritation."Keep tracking any prospects that match our tone. Prioritize those with haute couture runway experience. Adhere to the original timeframe-don't let this impact the event's preparation sequence."

"Got it, Ms. Scott," Meagan affirmed promptly, scribbling notes swiftly before getting to work.

Because of Hannah's clear-headed command, momentum wasn't lost despite the modeling hurdle. The team immediately shifted into high gear.

Several days afterward, Hannah had just wrapped up a remote session and was skimming logistics assessments when a faint rapping echoed at her worksnace ontrance

Meagan entered quietly, holding a modest parcel. "Ms. Scott,this came in. Needs your attention. No sender listed."

Hannah halted her reading and looked up. "Leave it here."

Meagan placed it gently on the broad desk and exited without a word.

Hannah eyed the package-no inscriptions, no branding. She assumed it was yet another contract or procurement document.

She picked up the letter blade and split the seal. But as the contents revealed themselves, she stiffened.

It was the same contract she had once personally delivered to Vincent's workplace-genuine, advantageous, and fair-only to be greeted by his outrageous proposition to "stay with him for a month" in return for his cooperation.

And beneath the final page of terms, there it was, his signature,bold, graceful, and unmistakably imprinted. He actually signed it! No strings. No callbacks. No messages. No warning. Just quietly mailed over?

Hannah gazed at the contract, her eyes moving between the clean lines of clauses and that familiar, commanding signature.Her fingertips instinctively folowed the deliberate sweep of his signature.

A sensation she couldn't fully place began to unfurl-quiet,steady, and expanding like gentle ripples from a tossed pebble.A flicker of something unspoken shimmered in her look, but it vanished almost instantly, smothered by sheer control.

Realigning herself, she banished the daze his signature had triggered. Without hesitation, she picked up her device and dialed with brisk precision. Her tone was composed and executive. "Alice, it's me. The deal's locked in. You're headlining the finale-no one else even comes close."

Elsewhere, in an opulent residence, Erica reclined on a grand velvet couch, her silk robe left loosely open.

One of her hands trailed idly along the jawline and cheek of the man on top of her. This face-after all that cosmetic work -resembled Vincent's even more now.

Logan remained obedient, eager for affirmation, as she caressed his skin with idle strokes.

"Mmm..." Erica purred, her eyes glazed and sensual. "You feel better today..."

Her touch dropped to his throat, fingers clenching subtly.Logan responded with a hushed gasp, drawing nearer, thrusting into her with more force.

As his pace intensified, Erica hooked a finger under his chin, but her mind was already elsewhere.

Last time, after Sharon tracked her down, she had returned to the Jones family estate with Sharon. But Vincent still shut her out. He even refused to appear.

The thought triggered a fierce spasm in her chest. Emotion surged,her voice spiked-sharp, wild. "Why didn't you show up?Vincent, speak to me! Why didn't you see me?"

The hand that once teased Logan's chin snapped to his neck,tightening mercilessly.

Her grip was savage. Logan's face reddened as he tumbled away, his hands clawing at hers, choking out frail,terrified gasps.

Just as his vision dimmed,her fingers released.

A glimpse of lucidity flickered in Erica's expression as he crumpled beside the couch, panting and pleading.

"Get out"cho qiachod bor robo clorod not coaring him-

"Get out." She cinched her robe closed, not sparing him a glance. Her voice was razor-sharp, her tone dismissive, like banishing a stray. "You're nothing like him-especially when you're groveling like this."

Logan bolted, humiliated but grateful to escape.

Erica grabbed her device from the low table. The screen lit up instantly, and a headline cut through her like a blade."VelaCore's Lingerie Show Metamorphosis Made Official-Supermodel Alice Dubois Confirmed to Headline."

Hannah's triumphant moment, as if Erica would let that unfold uneventfully. Since Vincent shunned her, she would retaliate against Hannah.

She dialed a number with precision. Her voice was stripped of warmth,now sharp and venom-laced. "Secure me an invitation to the lingerie event. And find every piece of dirt on Alice Dubois. I want her flaws-now."