Chapter 56: Crisis Before the Final Review
Only five hours remained until the final review.
“The final review is at the New York Design Association building. Security there is top-tier,” Sophie mumbled, checking the schedule. “All contestants and models have to use a designated entrance, verify their identity, and be escorted. Sounds safe enough.”
Evelyn was putting the finishing touches on the white gown, 'Rebirth.' Her eyes traced the pearls on the hem, and her fingers smoothed a slight crease on the shoulder.
“That only covers regular situations,” she said. “It works against normal people, but not against a maniac like Damian.”
Sophie stopped what she was doing, frowning. “What do you mean? You think he’ll try something at the venue?”
“No, that’s too stupid,” Evelyn shook her head. “He won’t act at the review itself. That would create a scandal and hurt him. He’ll strike on the road.”
She knew Damian. When provoked, his pride and need for control intensified. He wouldn’t let her succeed while humiliating him. He’d choose the most brutal way to kill her hope before the review even started.
“He’ll assume I’m personally escorting the piece, staying with it the whole time.” Evelyn looked at the hard, black carrying case for the entry. “He’ll bet everything on stopping me.”
Sophie’s face darkened. She swore under her breath and slammed her tablet onto the desk. “That son of a bitch! I knew he wouldn’t quit! Should we call the police?”
“It’s useless. He’ll stage an ‘accident’—a car crash that looks unrelated to him, or maybe a simple street mugging.” Evelyn’s voice was calm. “By the time the police arrive, it’ll be too late. The gown will be destroyed, we’ll miss the final review, and there will be no evidence pointing to him.”
Sophie paced angrily, her fists clenched tight. “What now? We just let him win? I want to rip his face off right now!”
“So, we split up.” Evelyn finally revealed her plan. She looked at Sophie, her gaze firm and decisive.
“You take the dress and our model, Lily, and use the suburban highway. It has less traffic and is less likely to have issues. I will drive the downtown main roads, specifically the most crowded and congested route.”
Sophie immediately caught on. “You’re going to be the bait? Evelyn, are you insane? That’s too dangerous! What if his people hurt you…”
“He wants to destroy my work and make me lose, not kill me.” Evelyn’s tone was firm. “Attacking me is too risky and stupid for him. He just wants to see me humiliated and defeated. He enjoys the feeling of absolute control.”
She walked to an identical black carrying case, opened it, and stuffed in a stack of thick, obsolete design sketches. The papers were covered in corrections and crumpled creases.
“I’ll take this ‘fake sample’ and walk right out the front door. His spies nearby will report my movements to him instantly.”
Sophie stared at her, her lips moving, but she swallowed whatever she was going to say. She knew that when Evelyn made up her mind, there was no changing it. The plan was risky, but it was the only viable option now.
Evelyn closed the case, then pulled a small, star-shaped glow-in-the-dark sticker from her pocket. She discretely placed it on the velvet lining inside the case, in a spot that was very hard to see.
After that, she opened her phone, shared her live location with Ethan.
\[I’ll check in every half hour. If I miss one, proceed with the backup plan we discussed.] She hit send. Ethan’s reply was immediate. \[Got it. Be safe.]
Everything was set. Sophie walked over and gave Evelyn a fierce hug. “Don’t you dare get hurt. Remember, you’re not alone now.” Her hand paused gently on Evelyn’s stomach. Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She hugged Sophie back and nodded. “Don’t worry.”
They separated, their eyes meeting.
“Get Lily ready,” Evelyn said. “Take the back door, get in the car, and don’t look back.”
“You too.” Sophie managed a strained smile, then turned and headed for the back exit.
In less than five minutes, an unassuming gray sedan quietly left the studio’s back alley, merging into traffic and heading toward the suburban highway.
Ten minutes later, Evelyn, carrying the heavy black case, appeared at the studio’s front door. She wore a cream trench coat, her hair pulled back, and subtle makeup. She looked like an executive heading to an important meeting.
She paused by the door, pretending to wait for a ride, and casually glanced across the street at the coffee shop. In the sunlight, she saw a man by the window instinctively raise his phone when she appeared.
Hooked. A faint, cold smile touched Evelyn’s lips. She hailed a taxi, opened the door, and got in.
“New York Design Association building, please.” She told the driver, her voice clear.
Meanwhile, in the Omni Group CEO’s top-floor office. Damian stood by the massive floor-to-ceiling window. His phone buzzed with a message from his spy.
\[Target departed. Black case, taxi, license plate HSW7342, heading south on Fifth Avenue.]
A twisted smile spread across Damian’s face. She never learns. Did she really think her meager talent could free her from his control?
He picked up a second phone and dialed a number. It was answered instantly.
“It’s me.”
“She’s on the road, Fifth Avenue. Follow the plan.”
“Don’t hurt her. I just want her to know that without my permission, she can’t even dream.” He paused and added, “I want whatever’s in that case to be unrecognizable trash.”