The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 177

Alec’s frustration flares into anger at the mention of Tara’s name. Why was Jade paying attention to her anyway?

"Whatever Tara does is her own business. You don't need to copy her. Just follow my instructions!" he snaps. "Forget it. We don't have time. Get changed and prep for the second look."

If the clock wasn't actively ticking down, he would have lost his temper completely.

"Okay. I understand. I'm sorry, Alec," Jade murmurs.

She is already fuming over her low score, but having her fiercely loyal brother actually scold her makes her blood boil. She is playing the perfect, pitiful victim—why isn't he comforting her? She swallows her rage, knowing she can't throw a tantrum now, and silently follows him to the styling chair. Still, a smug sense of anticipation curls in her chest. She can't wait to see the disaster unfold in the second round.

Across the room, Tara and Kent are calmly assessing the situation.

"Just like you predicted. Someone completely ruined our dress for this round," Kent says, inspecting the slashed fabric of the gown. Even with his skills, there is no way to repair the damage before Tara has to walk.

Thankfully, Tara warned him to prepare for foul play. The ruined dress is a decoy. If they had actually relied on it, they would have been eliminated on the spot.

"Sabotage is the only thing she's actually good at," Tara remarks coolly. Well, that, and acting. At least she has the Dennis brothers thoroughly convinced she is a fragile angel.

Tara commands the runway in a breathtaking Femme Fatale Chic aesthetic. She wears a sharply tailored, figure-hugging evening gown, her hair styled in voluminous, cascading waves. Paired with a sultry, smoky eye, she exudes an intoxicating, dangerous maturity. Unlike her usual bare-faced elegance or minimal makeup, she wears a striking, blood-red lip. Instead of looking garish, the bold color perfectly illuminates her radiant complexion, highlighting her exquisite features with a seductive, unapologetic power.

Sitting dead center in the VIP section, Danny cannot take his eyes off her. He has never seen this side of Tara. Completely captivated, he discreetly pulls out his phone and snaps several photos of her ruling the stage.

He isn't the only one mesmerized.

Evan sits in the audience, his gaze glued to Tara as if he has been put under a spell. He only came tonight because Jade relentlessly begged him, and Jake eventually pressured him into attending.