HAPTER 029
+25 BONUS
This wasn’t an accident. The cuts were too precise and intentional. This was deliberately done by someone. But why?
I felt my heart beating so fast, it seemed like it wanted to escape from my chest.
“Chloe,” I whispered gently, attempting to remain composed amidst the turmoil within me. “Do you know anything about this? Did you see anyone near the dresses?”
“No,” she quickly responded, shaking her head. “I promise didn’t.” I… I haven’t laid a finger on anything. I just arrived with Sally, and…
I noticed the fear in her gaze, her hands shaking, and how she was anxiously trying to keep herself composed.
Even though Chloe and I weren’t close and I often believed she didn’t like me, my heart still ached for her.
She shouldn’t have to bear this burden, especially since she had done nothing to warrant it.
I moved in closer, extending my hand to softly touch her arm.
She recoiled a bit, her body remaining tense, yet I didn’t release my grip. “Look at me.”
Her gaze met with mine, filled with fear, and I sensed the whirlwind of feelings she was battling.
The shame, the guilt, the fear of letting everyone down – it was all present.
“I never intended for this to occur,” Chloe murmured, her voice trembling as she struggled to control her breathing, yet it was evident she was about to break down.
“I was meant to safeguard the dresses. I was meant to maintain everything flawlessly…”
“Chloe, pay attention,” I murmured, embracing her firmly. “This is not your responsibility.” “You did not accomplish this.”
“I’m sorry,” she was able to say amid her tears. “I never intended to ruin anything.”
I gently brushed away the tears that began to slide down her cheeks and held her face in my hands, “You haven’t done anything wrong. I assure you. We’ll fix this.”
Just as I was about to devise a plan, Laura showed up at the doorway. With her arms folded and a smug expression on her face.
“What on earth is happening here?” She demanded, her tone laced with irritation.
“Someone sabotaged the dresses,” Sally replied.
“And you’re telling me this now?” Laura’s tone turned sharp as she directed a glare at me.
“This event is a reflection of Campbell Group, and Ava you’re standing here staring at it instead of fixing it!”
I clenched my fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface.
Why the hell was she shouting at me?
“It’s not my fault that the dresses were ruined,” I retorted, meeting her gaze.
“Well, it sure looks like your fault,” Laura snapped. “And if you don’t fix it, you’ll…”
“I’ll fix it,” I interrupted, my voice low but steady.
“You’d better,” Laura said, rolling her eyes at me.
2/3
CHAPTER 029
+25 BONUS
બેંકો
I expected her to leave the room, but she didn’t. She just stood there, making the room more suffocating than it already was.
I knew she wanted to see my downfall, but I wouldn’t let that happen.
Sally placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Ignore her, Ava. Let’s just focus on fixing the dresses.”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. This was my moment to prove myself, not just to Laura, but to everyone. I wasn’t going to let anyone take this away from me.
Sally handed me a needle and thread, and I got down to work. I concentrated solely on the fabric before me. “Why are you so slow? There’s just ten minutes left,” Laura snarled.
I knew she just wanted to pressure me, so I shot her a look. I’m fixing it, Laura. Back off.”
Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she crossed her arms, watching silently.
I worked faster, my fingers aching, sweat dripping down my temple. Finally, I tied the last knot and cut the thread. “It’s done,” I whispered, my voice shaking.
The dresses were handed to the models, and the room fell silent. One of them gazed at her reflection in the mirror, astonishment evident in her wide eyes.
She whispered, “It’s… beautiful.”
I experienced a brief moment of relief before it quickly faded away.
Laura didn’t look impressed. She didn’t even smile. Instead, she just looked at me with disdain. “You’re lucky. Don’t mess this up again,” she said, her tone condescending.
“You may have saved yourself this time, but I have my eyes on you.”
I clenched my fists at my sides. I was extremely exhausted by her behavior of making me feel incompetent when she was the one who was. However, I remained silent.
As Laura was leaving, Alex walked in, his relaxed attitude contrasting with the anxiety I still felt in my chest. His smile towards me disappeared when he noticed my fatigue. (1
“Hey, how’s it going?” he inquired, his voice filled with concern.
I managed to smile. “It’s fine. Everything is handled. The dresses are ready.”
He nodded, but I could sense that something was troubling him. He repeatedly glanced at the cameras in the corner of the room with his eyes.
“I have something important to tell you,” he said, his voice somber. “The surveillance cameras both inside and outside the dressing room have been tampered with.”
