Chapter 219
“Um…” The model hesitated, just about to speak, but Tessa didn’t let her finish.
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Tessa gave the model’s clothes a snide once–over, then turned to Xylia with a smirk. “Xylia, you seriously think you’ve got what it takes to compete here? Honestly, you’re just here to embarrass yourself. Why even bother stepping onstage? Just quit now and save us all the cringe.”
The model was just about to explain that the outfit wasn’t designed by Xylia. Xylia caught her eye and shook her head.
‘Even if I tried explaining to Tessa, she’d never care. No point wasting my breath,‘ Xylia thought.
Xylia fixed her gaze on Tessa, her tone steady. “Whether I compete or not has nothing to do with you. Now, please leave–stop bothering my model.”
Tessa let out a sharp laugh and stepped up to Xylia.
“So, Xylia, you really think just because you’re cozying up to Mr. Garcia, your path’s gonna be all sunshine and rainbows? Designer? Please. If you don’t have the skills, no amount of connections will get you that trophy. I’ll be front row when you crash and burn in front of everyone,” Tessa smirked.
With that, Tessa turned on her heel and stormed out of the dressing room.
Xylia didn’t pay her any more attention. She turned back to the model, offering a gentle, apologetic smile. “Sorry you have to deal with this mess. The real outfit should be arriving any minute–just bear with this one for a little longer, alright?”
Xylia had gotten mixed up today and accidentally brought the wrong outfit.
This sample was from a client a couple days ago, and since the model thought it looked pretty good, she wanted to try it on for fun. With the right outfit still on its way, Xylia just let her go ahead and wear it.
The model waved off her concerns. “It’s really no trouble, Xylia. Your studio’s designs all have a special touch. Even this piece–while it looks simple at first–has something unique to it. I’ve worn a ton of big brands, but your team’s work truly stands out.”
Xylia couldn’t help but smile at the praise. “Thank you, that really means a lot! After the show, let’s exchange contacts–if you ever want something custom for yourself, just let us know.”
“Oh, I’d love that!” the model replied brightly.
Xylia was thrilled–another potential client in the bag.
When Josie finally burst in, breathless from hauling the right outfit all the way over, she couldn’t help but put Xylia in a friendly chokehold and launch into her rant.
“Seriously, how could you mess up at such a crucial moment? Are you trying to throw away your shot at winning? After all my nagging lately–this is how you repay me? Do you even appreciate how much I’ve been helping you?” Josie grumbled.
10:11 Sat, Sep 20
Chapter 219
Xylia craned her neck, flashing Josie a sheepish grin as she clung to her arm.
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“I’m really sorry, Josie! But lucky for me, I have you to bail me out–you brought the outfit and totally saved my skin today. What would I ever do without you, huh?”
Xylia spent ages coaxing Josie, and only then did Josie finally let go of her irritation–if just barely.
“Next time, pay more attention, alright? You’re meant to be the next big name in design,” Josie scolded, still sounding half–annoyed.
“Alright, alright, I swear–I’ll keep my head in the game,” Xylia grinned, giving a playful salute.
Just then, the model strutted out in the right outfit, looking absolutely stunning. Xylia and Josie couldn’t take their eyes off her.
Josie instantly forgot about being mad, glanced at Xylia with excitement, and declared, “That’s a champion’s look. You’re totally winning this.”
At the judging panel for the fashion show, Xavi sat front and center, surrounded by several other judges.
Connor had somehow managed to sneak onto the panel too, with Tessa sitting right behind him.
And then there was Howard, seated on the other side of Xavi.
Xylia and Josie made their way to the front row.
Joshua was already there, sporting sunglasses–which was a rare look for him–plus a casual T–shirt, jeans, and crisp white sneakers. He blended right in with the college crowd; you’d never guess he was anything but your
average guy.
There were two empty seats next to him, so Xylia and Josie walked over and settled in beside him.
Josie looked Joshua up and down. “Mr. Garcia, you rocking that college kid look today?”
Joshua didn’t bother taking off his sunglasses and blandly replied, “My wife looks way too young, so I had to switch up my wardrobe to match her.”
Josie gave a theatrical shudder. “Ugh, you two are just too much!”
Xylia settled in beside Joshua, casting a thoughtful glance over his casual look before giving an approving nod. “Honestly, it does look like I’m the one scoring here.”
Joshua reached for her hand, all his usual coolness melting away as he shuttled even closer. “No way–I’m definitely the lucky one.”
His voice softened, and he clung to Xylia’s hand like a big, loveable puppy, whining sweetly as he tried to act
cute.
Josie had seen so much of their lovey–dovey drama that at this point, she barely even blinked at it.
10:11 Sat, Sep 20
Chapter 219
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Meanwhile, Tessa was sitting behind Connor, and when she glanced over, she couldn’t help but notice Joshua and Xylia looking all lovey–dovey.
Even with his sunglasses on, Tessa instantly recognized Joshua as the guy they’d once mistaken for the Garcia family’s driver–who turned out to be the family’s sole heir.
Seeing Xylia’s happy, glowing face made Tessa’s blood boil.
She clenched her fists and, just before the show kicked off, strode right up to Xylia and Joshua, making sure all eyes were on her.
“So this is the legendary Mr. Garcia, huh? We’ve crossed paths back in Jupiton before, but I had no clue who you really were. If I ever stepped out of line, I hope you won’t take it to heart,” Tessa said, her voice ringing out loud and clear with a fake smile, making sure the whole front row could hear her perform her little apology.
The front row instantly started buzzing, everyone perking up to watch the drama unfold.
Joshua kept his sunglasses on and didn’t so much as glance in her direction.
Tessa, feeling completely snubbed, shifted her focus to Xylia, annoyance written all over her face.
“So I heard the Garcia Group’s sponsoring this event, and Ms. Schultz not only entered the contest, she’s also dating Mr. Garcia himself. Guess that means the trophy’s practically reserved–right, Ms. Schultz?” Tessa’s words rang out loud, loaded with sarcasm and a not–so–subtle wink to the crowd.
She was blatantly stirring the pot, making sure everyone knew that if Xylia took first place, it was all thanks to favoritism–like she was getting special treatment through backstage connections.
Whispers started spreading through the crowd behind them.
“Ms. Schultz? Who’s that? I thought Mr. Garcia’s girlfriend’s last name was Sadler–like the one sitting next to him up front?”
“Maybe the news got it wrong. But with Mr. Garcia backing this show, it’s pretty much a done deal–she’s gonna win.”
“Seriously? Then what’s even the point of us being here?”
“Wait, does the Garcia Group really have that much pull? Can they just rig an official competition like this?”
“Why not? But hey, let’s see for ourselves–once Mr. Garcia’s girlfriend steps out, we’ll find out if she’s got the
skills or not,”
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