The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 174

From across the room, Jade and Alec secretly monitor Tara's every move. Jade sneakily checks the live stream, fully expecting to see the chat flooded with praise for her own look. Instead, her stomach drops. The fans she paid for are getting drowned out. The focus has completely shifted to Tara.

She glares at the quiet corner. Tara really is beautiful. Jade is used to seeing Tara bare-faced or wearing minimal makeup. She never expected her to look this devastatingly gorgeous when fully styled. And her designer is Kent—the supposed nobody that Dennis Media threw out like trash! How did a reject create such a masterpiece of a look?

Panic claws at Jade's throat. She glances at Alec, who is still practically radiating arrogance, and swallows her fears. She can't risk popping his ego by pointing out Kent's superior work. But the anxiety gnaws at her.

What if... No. There is no 'what if,' Jade tells herself frantically. Tara just got lucky. Kent probably stumbled into a decent design by sheer accident.

Yet, she can't stop staring at Tara. If Tara dominates that runway and steals the spotlight, all the money the Dennis family burned on trending topics and PR campaigns will be wasted. Worse, if Tara goes viral, her brothers might start paying attention to her again. Jade spent years meticulously manipulating her family to favor her and despise Tara. She refuses to let Tara get even a sliver of leverage now.

Just then, Jade spots Jasmine slipping away toward the restrooms. A dark, calculated plan sparks in her mind. A faint sneer curls her lips as she quietly follows the actress.

Outside the restrooms, Jade scans the hallway. Once she confirms there are no cameras and no witnesses around, she waits. A moment later, Jasmine strolls out, casually adjusting her dress.

"Ah!" Jasmine jumps, startled by Jade lingering in the shadows. "What are you doing here?"

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