Chapter 18

Inside the makeup room, models from eight design companies were anxiously prepping for their turn on the runway, each ready to show off their brand's style to the awaiting guests. Melanie Weston, now the face of "Samerra," was once Caitlin's closest friend. Today, she'd been summoned by Sophia into a private room. Melanie had always been cunning—stealing Caitlin's designs and company? That move alone was a masterclass in backstabbing. She had no limits, no shame, and turned her back on people without blinking. So when the Samerra draft caught the eye of the Rivers Group, Melanie wasted no time worming up to Sophia. With her smooth talking, she managed to leave an impression—as Sophia's ever eager sycophant. In the private room, Sophia glanced indifferently at Melanie, who was doing her best to smile like she belonged. Her tone was chilly. "Miss Weston, your brand leans too much into 'natural and free-spirited.' The target audience's a bit niche. That kind of concept, honestly, doesn't