Chapter 325

Chapter 325:

Sierra was famously selective, working exclusively with Homelight Enterprise, greatly enhancing the company’s stature. Jared greeted each person in a calm and collected manner.

The noise proved too much for Madisyn, prompting her to move backstage. All the models were in the process of having their makeup applied. Maxine was among them, looking cheerful. Her face brightened into a smile when she saw Madisyn. “Miss Johns, you’re here!”

“Yes, how is everything going?” Madisyn inquired.

“I think I’m ready,” said Maxine confidently. Despite her lengthy absence from the runway, her recent rehearsals had restored her confidence.

While they were talking, two models walked by outside. “It’s absurd. How long has it been since her last runway show? Yet she still dares to model here.”

“Indeed, some people just lack shame. They don’t even fear making fools of themselves.”

The two models spoke loudly and mockingly, their comments obviously directed at Maxine.

Maxine’s expression grew icy as she looked in their direction. One model quickly added, “Oh, Maxine, we weren’t discussing you. Don’t take it the wrong way.” Although her words sounded regretful, her demeanor was far from it. It was clear they were mocking Maxine.

In the modeling industry, opportunities were scarce, and Maxine’s return was seen as a threat by others, sparking their hostility. Madisyn was taken aback by these models’ blatant rudeness, mocking openly without hesitation.

Maxine sighed deeply, deciding to overlook their comments. However, Madisyn couldn’t stay silent. “It’s fortunate some people are models because they certainly lack charm. I would never consider recruiting them to my company.”

“Miss Johns…” Maxine looked at her, initially shocked, then realized what she meant and smiled. “Yes, I agree. There’s no room for such individuals in our field.”

The two models, though physically fit, had plain appearances. Upon hearing Madisyn’s words, they became enraged. One snapped, “What the hell did you just say?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t referring to you,” Madisyn responded coolly, casting them a dismissive look.

The models were angry but found themselves without recourse, as they had initiated the mockery.

Maxine felt satisfied and admired Madisyn even more. With just a few words, Madisyn had cleverly flipped the script.

At that moment, Maxine’s assistant rushed over, breathing heavily and close to tears. “Maxine, something awful has happened.”

“What’s wrong?” Maxine responded, her face turning grave.

The assistant held out a dress, tears welling in her eyes. “I went to fetch your gown, but it’s ripped.”

The gown was a snug, strapless piece with a layered, vintage-style hem that stood out for its beauty and elegance. Unfortunately, there was a clear rip at the bottom of the gown.

“What happened?” Maxine’s expression shifted.

“I’m not sure. I left it in the dressing room, and when I returned to collect it, it was like this,” the assistant explained, visibly distressed.

“You’re so reckless,” one of the models remarked, clearly amused by the mishap. “That gown costs a fortune. Can you even afford to compensate for it?”

“What a shame. Seems like you can’t walk the runway now, and you’ll have to cover the cost,” said the other model.

Maxine gripped the dress tightly, her anger mounting. It was clear to her that this was an act of sabotage. Such an occurrence couldn’t just be a coincidence.

Madisyn approached and examined the tear, noting its smooth edge. It definitely looked like it had been cut with scissors. What she worried about still happened.

“What’s happening here?” A voice echoed from the entrance. It was the event manager, accompanied by Tatiana.

One of the models quickly interjected, “Maxine was careless with her dress and ruined it.”

The manager frowned deeply upon seeing the damaged dress. “I instructed everyone to handle these expensive dresses with care! How could this happen? Maxine, how can you participate on the runway with this destroyed dress? This will impact everyone!”

Tatiana gasped in feigned shock. “Maxine, this gown is valued at three million dollars. You’ll have to compensate for it, and there’s a penalty for breaching the contract. That’s no small amount. How could you be so negligent?”

Maxine’s assistant quickly said, “The dress was already torn when I found it. Someone must have done this on purpose.”

The manager scoffed, “Why would anyone sabotage your dress specifically and not someone else’s? That’s ridiculous. You’re banned from the runway, and you’ll have to cover the damages.”

With those brief remarks, the manager determined Maxine’s fate.

Maxine turned ghostly pale as her fury surged. “This is outrageous! How can you accuse me without any investigation? It’s clear this was a setup!”

She was haunted by the thought that the manager was conspiring with Tatiana to ruin her. Tatiana wouldn’t just sit back and let her thrive, after all.

Tatiana said gently, “Maxine, it’s unreasonable to blame the manager. The dressing room has no cameras. The moment the dress was given to you, it became your responsibility. If you didn’t look after it, who else is to blame? If you won’t pay, do you expect the manager to absorb the costs?”

The manager looked at Tatiana appreciatively, then turned to Maxine with scorn. “This is your fault, and you’re trying to pin it on me?”

“Why aren’t our dresses ruined?” said one of the models. At that moment, it was evident this was a well-planned scheme.

The manager gestured dismissively. “Enough, we can’t waste more time. The fashion show is about to begin. Everyone, get ready. Maxine, you stay here and figure out how to pay for the damages.” With that, he prepared to leave.

Tatiana also turned to leave, not before giving Maxine a provoking, victorious look.

It was now unmistakably clear—it was a trap from the beginning.

Maxine gripped her dress tightly, fuming as Tatiana and the models departed.

When Tatiana returned to her private dressing room, the manager was there, smiling. “Tatiana, everything unfolded flawlessly. They have no proof and can only stew in their frustration.”

Tatiana’s lips twisted into a smug grin, her eyes gleaming with conceit. “Their greed was their downfall. It was inevitable they would fall for it.”

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