Chapter 108
Chapter 108
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The excitement in the air was palpable as fans and aspiring designers who hadn’t been invited lined up behind metal barriers overlooking the red carpet.
Cameras flashed, and cheers erupted as luxury cars pulled up, each carrying a famous face from the fashion world. Celebrities stepped out, dressed in plush gowns that flowed with every step they took. Reporters hustled to get interviews.
Linda Miller’s arrival caused a similar uproar. As expected of the Miller family, almost all the members attended such events together: Kris, Susan, Tyler, and Cynthia. Karen Miller was nowhere in sight.
Kris was driving, dressed in a sleek black suit as he got out to open his mother’s door. Linda stepped out with her head held high, wearing a stunning emerald green gown.
Her fans chanted, “Queen of Fashion!” as Linda and her family made their way down the red carpet.
The reporters instantly had their mics ready. One asked, “How are you feeling tonight, Linda? Good, or nervous?” Linda forced a confident smile. “I feel great. I’ve put in a lot of work, and I’m here to keep my title.” Another reporter directed his question at Kris. “Kris, we don’t see your wife, Karen Miller. Is there any particular reason she couldn’t make it?”
Kris had always been irritated by how inquisitive these reporters were, and this time was no different. “It’s personal,” he answered in a tone that wasn’t exactly hostile but wasn’t welcoming either.
The reporter seemed unfazed. “Interestingly, the two top names on everyone’s lips are your mother and your ex- wife, Thalassa Thompson. I assume you’re rooting for your mother to win the award. Do you think she can?”
Kris stiffened, realizing his mother was looking at him expectantly. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. That’s up to the judges. May the best designer win.”
Linda’s smile wavered slightly, but she kept it up. She felt bitter because even on camera, Kris wasn’t standing up for her as he should.
“Anything special you—”
Kris was already exasperated with the questions, cutting him off. “Excuse us.”
They continued down the carpet, cameras flashing, and finally made their way into the venue. They were escorted to their seats in the front row, where they had a perfect view of the runway.
As more designers and invited celebrities arrived and the venue filled up, people began to murmur, noticing one key name was missing from the arrivals: Thalassa Thompson.
Inside the venue, Kris furrowed his brows as he stared at the row of seats reserved for Thalassa and her team. None of those seats were occupied.
He pursed his lips pensively. Why hadn’t she arrived yet?
“I’m going to check on my employees,” he heard his mother say before she got up and went backstage.
Meanwhile, Kris stared at his phone, battling the urge to dial Thalassa’s number. His gut told him something was wrong, but he stopped himself.
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as the start time for the event passed, and there was still no sign of Thalassa. After about thirty minutes, the host finally stepped onto the stage, his face showing a hint of unease.
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“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. We apologize for the delay, but we are about to start. My name is Pipino, and I am your host.” he announced, and the room erupted in applause.
Kris felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Thalassa still hadn’t arrived, and the event was moving forward.
Not that he wanted his mother to lose her title.
The show began. Over the next hour, the first three designers presented their collections. One by one, stunning dresses graced the runway, each met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
“And now we call upon the Miller Fashion House. The reigning Queen of Fashion presents her collection!” the host announced.
Linda returned to her seat, her eyes gleaming with pride as her models walked down the runway in her latest creations.
The dresses were a stunning variety of colors, shapes, and designs. The audience was visibly impressed, murmuring with approval.
Linda allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction as she watched the crowd’s reaction.
Once the Miller Fashion House was done showcasing its collection, there was a pause of a few minutes. The guests began murmuring again, wondering why Thalassa Thompson hadn’t been called yet.
Finally, the host reappeared on the stage, a slightly strained smile on his face. “Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to announce that, due to undisclosed reasons, TT Fashion House has pulled out of the competition.”
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Kris tensed in shock.
The guests began speculating among themselves.
“I wonder what happened.”
“How can she just pull out of the competition like this?”
“What a lack of professionalism! Her first time getting nominated, and she thinks she’s too big for this event.”
Linda could barely contain her joy, exchanging glances with the rest of her family, who looked just as excited. She was now confident she would retain her title.
“She probably realized that she couldn’t beat you and didn’t want to disgrace herself,” Aunt Cynthia whispered, earning a chuckle from the rest.
Kris heard them, his jaw clenching. He didn’t buy the idea that Thalassa would just chicken out. She wasn’t the kind to give up without trying. Something definitely wasn’t right.
“We will give the judges a moment to submit their final judgments. Thank you for your patience,” the host announced.
A hush fell over the room as everyone waited. The tension was thick in the air. Kris could barely sit still, wanting to drive to Thalassa’s office or house to check if she was okay, but that would also mean missing his mother’s big
moment if she won.
The results card was brought to the host. He smiled as he looked at it.
“We’re going to begin with Model of the Year.”
He seemed ready to announce the winner when suddenly, he paused, his hand going to his wireless earpiece.
The audience watched with bated breath as the host’s expression changed. “Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we
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have a last–minute change. I’ve just been informed that Thalassa Thompson and her team have arrived and will be joining the competition after all!”
