Chapter 103 High Society Salon
Henry quickly sent word that the trending topics were live, and several fashion media outlets had already proactively contacted Mirage Fashion, requesting exclusive interviews with Clara.
Emily instructed Henry to continue monitoring the situation, then turned her attention back to work.
Meanwhile, at Mirage Fashion, Clara was grinning from ear to ear at her computer screen.
Watching the steadily climbing engagement numbers and media invitations, she felt more convinced than ever that she was a born designer.
Clara was already imagining the admiring gazes of her employees, the eager questions from journalists, and had even begun planning her next original collection launch.
She wanted everyone to know that not only was she capable of managing a company, but she was Emerald City's most brilliant designer. Emily and Obscura Fashion would eventually be crushed beneath her feet.
The world was full of talented designers—Emily wasn't the only one!
By evening, Henry reported again, "Emily, the trending topics are still gaining momentum. Two major fashion magazines want to feature Clara on their covers, and Mirage Fashion's website has already started teasing the new design series."
"Perfect. Pull our PR team back—no more amplification. The current buzz level is just right."
Over-promotion would arouse suspicion. Stopping at just the right moment would let Clara relax her guard, believing the attention was purely due to her own talent.
After finishing her work at Obscura Fashion, Emily picked up her phone and called Nathan.
"Nathan, I need a favor. For next week's High Society Salon in Emerald City, could you request two additional invitations on Mr. Windsor's behalf?"
"Are you bringing friends?"
"Not friends."
Nathan paused, then immediately understood. "Of course, I'll handle it right away."
Having worked beside Charles for years, he'd mastered reading people and situations. After brief interactions, he could see exactly what kind of person Emily was—someone who never made moves without purpose.
As an assistant, he didn't need to ask questions.
He already had his own reasoning for requesting the invitations.
After hanging up, Emily's lips curved into a calculating smile.
She'd heard that her cousin, Lucy Johnson, had also come from their hometown to seek refuge with the Johnson family in Emerald City. In Lauren's heart, Lucy's status was far higher than Clara's.
Clara had always been arrogant—she couldn't possibly tolerate such treatment. If Lucy appeared alongside her at a high-end event like the High Society Salon, Clara would probably explode with rage.
The next afternoon, Nathan delivered two gold-embossed invitations to Obscura Fashion.
Emily examined the invitations carefully, and after confirming everything was in order, had Henry send one to the Johnson Villa through the event organizers, with the recipient listed as "Lucy," specifically instructing the courier to deliver it directly to Lucy in person.
The other invitation was sent straight to Mirage Fashion.
Clara received her invitation while in the conference room, presenting initial sketches of new gown designs to her employees.
When she saw the organizer's logo on the envelope, she nearly knocked over her coffee in excitement. Opening it, the gold-embossed words "High Society Salon Invitation" practically gleamed.
"Ms. Johnson, you actually received an invitation to the High Society Salon?" her assistant exclaimed. "I heard that only Emerald City's most elite socialites and society ladies attend that event. Ms. Johnson, you're becoming more impressive every day!"
Clara lifted her chin proudly, placing the invitation on the table where everyone could see it. "It's just an ordinary salon. The organizers probably noticed Mirage Fashion's recent buzz and want me there to elevate the event."
Though she spoke with feigned nonchalance, her heart was blooming with joy.
She'd tried countless times before to break into these elite circles but had never even reached the threshold. Now, thanks to her reputation as an original designer, she'd finally gained recognition!
She basked in everyone's flattery all day, her good mood lasting until she returned home.
There, she found Lucy holding an invitation identical to hers, excitedly chatting with the butler.
Lucy wore an outdated suit that clashed terribly with the elegant invitation, yet couldn't hide the excitement in her eyes.
Clara snatched the invitation from Lucy's hands, examining it carefully. Finding it genuine, she trembled with rage. "Lucy, where did you get this invitation? What gives you the right to attend the High Society Salon? You must have stolen mine and made a copy!"
Lucy jumped at her sudden aggression. "I didn't! The courier delivered it directly to me—it has my name on it!"
Clara sneered coldly. "Look at yourself, what status do you have? Why would the organizers possibly invite you? You're obviously trying to ride my coattails by forging an invitation!"
Their argument drew Lauren and Celeste to the scene.
Seeing the two invitations in Clara's hands, Celeste frowned. "What's going on? Why are there two invitations?"
Clara quickly explained, "The organizers must have made a mistake. Lucy doesn't qualify to participate in this kind of salon at all. This invitation is clearly meant for me; she's just trying to leech off my success!"
Lucy was nearly in tears, grabbing Lauren's arm desperately. "Grandma, I didn't! The courier really said it was for me—it even has my name on it!"
Lauren examined the invitation and indeed found Lucy's name clearly printed. Her mind immediately began scheming.
Though both Clara and Lucy were her granddaughters, she knew perfectly well which one was closer to her and which was more distant.
Clara and Celeste might show her surface respect, but they weren't truly on her side.
Lucy was different. She'd raised Lucy from childhood. Having Lucy attend the High Society Salon might help her meet wealthy connections. If she could marry well, it would be invaluable support.
Besides, she'd long been irritated by Clara's superior attitude. This was the perfect opportunity to humble her.
"Clara, since the invitation clearly bears Lucy's name, that's the organizers' intention. How dare you speak to her that way? Next week, you'll take Lucy to the High Society Salon with you and look after her properly. Don't embarrass the Johnson family name." Lauren scolded with a stern expression.
"Her showing up dressed like that will only embarrass the Johnson family!"
Lauren glanced at her dismissively. "What's so difficult about that? Don't you have plenty of haute couture gowns and jewelry? Find Lucy something suitable and dress her up properly—problem solved."
Clara laughed bitterly.
Fine. Let her go. Only by having Lucy experience it firsthand would she understand that some places simply weren't meant for people like her!
Clara was determined to show Lucy that they weren't even in the same league.