Chapter 107


    Time ticked by, and Kaylee’s heart was in knots.


    They were already calling number twenty. She was number thirty–eight. If the model didn’t arrive


    soon, it would be toote.


    Flora leaned against the wall, her demeanor calm and collected.


    Refeel might not be the best of men, but he was reliable when it mattered. He would arrive on time.


    Outside, there were few people, only security guards pacing back and forth.


    The gloomy sky cast a dim light, and the muggy, hot weather only added to the frustration.


    Kaylee’s hands, hanging by her waist, were covered in ayer of dense sweat.


    Finally, a minivan slowly drove in. The door opened, and a man in a leather jacket, wearing


    sunsses and a face mask, stepped out and walked towards them.


    “Flora!” Upon reaching them, Rafael took off his sunsses and winked at Flora


    “Why did youe yourself?”


    “It was a spur–of–the–moment thing. Where could I find you a model at thest minute? As it


    happened, I was nearby shooting something and rushed over as soon as we wrapped.” Rafael


    asked, “Anyway, why did you need a model?”


    Flora briefly exined the situation. “She’speting, and her model had an ident at thest


    minute. We needed to find a recement quickly


    Rafael’s gaze fell on Kaylee, and upon seeing her eyes, red and swollen from crying, he suddenly


    smiled. “It’s you again.”


    “Last time, we missed a photo opportunity. Let’s make up for it this time.”


    Kaylee was so excited she couldn’t utter a word. Her mind went nk.


    The person Flora called… was Rafael… Was he going to be her model?


    “Don’t just stand there daydreaming. It’s number thirty–three now. If we don’t go, we’ll really be


    late.”


    Flora shook her phone. Dane had messaged, saying they were already calling number thirty–three.


    Kaylee snapped back to reality, still somewhat flustered “Raf… Mr. Rafael, please follow me


    backstage, L?


    Flora kind of worried Kaylee might bite her tongue.


    “You lead the way. III follow.”


    Hearing Rafael’s words, Kaylee quickly nodded and awkwardly made her way backstage.


    Flora, walking towards the audience seats, texted Howell. Check the backstage security footage


    and find out who’s been tampering with things.]


    Backstage.


    Thepetition was hearing its end. Designers who hadpleted their part were gathered,


    chatting.


    The conversation soon turned to Kaylee.


    One female designer nced at the empty seats, a hint of regret in her voice. This young girl is just


    in high school, and she managed to make it through the preliminaries to the finals. It’s not easy, but


    it’s a shame….


    Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    “Shouldn’t have crossed paths with the wrong people. Another person whispered.


    It was obvious to anyone that Kaylee was being targeted.


    “Numbers thirty–six, thirty–seven, thirty–eight, get ready!”


    The stage director rushed in and scanned the room, but, not seeing number thirty-eight, he urgently


    said, “Where’s number thirty–eight? Where is she?”


    “Ah, her model was injured and ran out half an hour ago. She probably won’t bepeting.”


    Someone said with schadenfreude.


    The director didn’t say much. There were always a few mishaps in everypetition. He was used


    to it.


    “Then number thirty–nine, get ready. Line up, after this batch, it’s your turn-”


    Tm here!” Kaylee’s voice was rushed and slightly breathless. She hurried in, her forehead covered


    in sweat.


    Everyone was surprised. They hadn’t expected her to return. Even Yvonne couldn’t help but raise


    an eyebrow,


    The director asked, “Where’s your model?”