Chapter 286

Metamorphosis' long-awaited lingerie show had finally come.

"Tracking light in Zone A-two degrees off target." Calm and steady, Hannah spoke as she faced the sweeping master control panel, dozens of live-feed monitors filling her view.

"Hannah." A gentle voice called her name from behind.

Hannah stopped what she was doing and turned around quickly.

Standing there was Claude-tall, polished, his smoke-gray custom suit highlighting his effortless grace.

A subtle smile appeared on Hannah's lips. "Claude."

"Everything in place?" His question was about the show, but his attention never left her.

A soft smile lingered as Hannah replied, "We're in the final stretch. Your seat is front row, right in the center."

Claude gave a slight nod. "I can't wait."

Claude looked as though he wanted to add something,but a suited man approached just then, holding a bouquet of irises.

Hannah recognized him immediately-Kenneth, Miles's trusted assistant.

"Ms. Scott, Mr. Whitaker wanted you to have these before the show," Kenneth remarked politely. He offered her the bouquet with professional care. "Mr. Whitaker was called away for an urgent international deal. He regrets missing the event but hopes Metamorphosis will have an amazing debut."

A flicker of amusement lit up Hannah's face as she accepted the flowers."Please thank him for me. That's very thoughtful."She handed the bouquet to her assistant. "They're gorgeous-put them in the lounge for me, would you?"

Kenneth nodded and slipped away quietly.

Just then, a familiar, bright voice rang out. "Hannah!"

Hannah turned and was surprised-but genuinely pleased-to see Irene. "Mrs. Whitaker, I can't believe you made it!"

"Of course I would come. I wasn't about to miss your big night,"Irene said, her whole face lit up with appreciation.

Standing next to lrene, Daphne couldn't have looked less thrilled. Frustration twisted her features as she snapped,"Mom!I told you l didn't want to be here. Why drag me to a place like this?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Irene's face. "Well, we're already inside. Let's just support Hannah while we're here."

But Daphne detested watching Hannah shine the most. She jerked her arm free from her mother's grip, like she'd just found an outlet for all her pent-up frustration. Her eyes swept over Claude for a beat-sharp, assessing-before locking onto Hannah with a cruel smirk. "Still got that charm working for you,I see. So, who's this? The latest boyfriend?"

She stretched out the word "latest," making it drip with sarcasm."Didn't take you long, did it? Barely single and you're already swapping men like it's a game. Do you schedule them by the hour now? And you're parading this one around already? What,just trying to show him off?"

"Daphne!" Irene's cheerful expression fell away, replaced with shock and embarrassment. She tugged at Daphne's arm."What's gotten into you? Watch your mouth!"

"Am I wrong, Mom?" Daphne's voice rose, her glare darting between Hannah and Claude. "She just clawed her way out of the gossip involving my brother, and now she's hanging all over Mr. Hobbes? Can't keep a low profile for even a day after the divorce?"

Claude's expression had darkened the moment Daphne's first loaded words left her mouth.

A sudden chill settled in Hannah's eyes, her whole expression hardening in an instant.

Irene tried to say something to salvage the situation, but Hannah didn't give her the chance.

Hannah moved forward, her presence unmistakable, and her words cut through the tension. "Daphne, is your life really so empty that you spend your time twisting other people's relationships into filth? Is this honestly the highlight of your day?"Disdain filled her voice. "All that privilege and support from the Whitaker family, and the only thing you learned was how to gossip."

"You-" Daphne sputtered, her cheeks burning with humiliation as she struggled to reply.

The next second, Claude stepped forward, placing himself protectively in front of Hannah. His tone was even but full of authority as he addressed Daphne, "What you're seeing tonight is the result of her vision, resolve, and hard work-a show of global caliber. And yet all you can offer is cheap commentary from the comfort of a spoiled heiress, riding on nothing but your family name." His voice dropped a degree. "You've disgraced your family."

Daphne's face drained of color, tears spilling before she could hold them back.

Anger and shame pinched Irene's features as she snapped,"Daphne, apologize right now!"

"I... I didn't say anything that wasn't true!" Daphne blurted out,her composure breaking. "She deserves this! Everyone sides with her-why? What's so special about her?"

Losing control, Daphne pushed past a staff member,buried her face in hner hands, and ran for the exit.

"Daphne!" Irene gasped, stunned. She turned to Hannah and quickly offered a stream of apologies. "I'm truly sorry. I'll make sure Miles will make it up to you over this." With that,she gathered up the folds of her skirt and hurried after her daughter.

Claude watched them go for a second before turning back to Hannah. His expression softened. "Don't let people like that upset you."

Hannah stayed calm, her focus unbroken. "They won't."

With a brief nod, she lifted her walkie-talkie. "All units, last thirty-second check. Start the countdown."

Out of sight, a shadowy figure quietly slipped away from the edge of the venue.