Chapter 376 For a Year
A user named 'MyLuannIsTheBest' jumped in and said: [Let me set the record straight. First off, the Fashion Week never wanted Grace. She was all up in their business, begging to get in. Second, don't even start with the courage talk. You got paid to strut your stuff, so do it, especially if you volunteered. No excuses. Third, broken heels and falls? That's just another Tuesday at Fashion Week. Happens every year. Grace had zero experience, couldn't handle it, and just laid there. Watch the video again. See how many models she blocked? Timing, positioning, rhythm—all that matters. You can't just stroll like you're on your front porch. And about the high heels? Grace's height is what it is. Dreaming of the runway without model height? And saying she wouldn't step on an ant? Does she fly every day? Check how many ants you've squashed with a magnifying glass!]
After that rant, Grace's fans went radio silent.
James tossed his phone aside. "Log into Grace's account and post a statement."
The assistant hesitated. "But if Grace finds out..."
"Just do it!" James snapped.
"Yes, sir." The assistant quickly pasted an apology template, adding Grace's name.
In less than two minutes, a tear-jerking apology letter was up.
James said, "Change her password."
"Got it."
With the password changed, Grace couldn't delete the apology letter. James was trying to do damage control. This way, when Grace tried to make a comeback, it would be smoother.
With some PR magic and comment manipulation, the comments under Grace's apology weren't as brutal.
"Alright, go stay with Grace."
"Okay."
After the assistant left, James was alone in the car. He had mentored Grace from the start. Despite her bad temper, she had been with him for years. Now that she was in hot water, he had few people to rely on.
"Juliet," James muttered, sending her a message: [When are you coming back?]
Juliet was in bed, cracking up at a compilation of Grace's epic fails made by netizens. "Serves you right! What a fall!"
Seeing James's message, Juliet immediately got it. 'Looks like my time to shine.'
She quickly replied:[James, I'll come back after Fashion Week ends.]
James: [Okay.]
At midnight, Dawn Talent Agency dropped a statement. They admitted to screwing up with their artists, promised to compensate Sunflower tenfold for all losses, apologized tothe Fashion Week official, and announced Grace's indefinite suspension. Grace would personally cover any unfinished movies, TV shows, and endorsements.
Ten minutes later, #Grace Banned# was trending.
"Grace, if you still trust me, stay put for a year," James said in the dimly lit hospital room. "You don't need to pay the breach of contract fee. I'll handle it."
James frowned. "If you wanna make a comeback, you gotta change your attitude."
"Why'd you change my password and apologize for me?" Grace shot back.
"A year from now, I'll get you back in the game."
They were talking past each other, not really answering each other's questions.
After a long silence, Grace lay back on the bed. "Just leave."
In the days that followed, Grace locked herself in the hospital room, only seeing medical staff. Even Lily was kept out.
When Luann got back to the country, the Upper West Side airport was a madhouse. Took her two hours just to get out. "Fans are just too hyped."
The autumn chill cut through the lingering heat. Luann stretched. After being away for half a month, she really missed home.
Luann sat in the car, ready to tell the driver to go. Turning her head, she saw two people.
Juliet walked out of the airport, looking pissed, supported by Wilber. "Luann's fanfare almost made me trip."
Wilber quickly pulled out a tissue to wipe her sweat. "Luann loves to show off, don't let it get to you. It's not worth it. Sweetie, be careful, get in the car, lift your leg."
As soon as Juliet sat down, Wilber pulled out a fruit platter from the back seat. "All your favorites."
"Thanks, Wilber," Juliet said sweetly. "Wilber, how's my dad been these past couple of weeks?"
"He's doing well. I visited him a few times, and his spirits are good."
Juliet sighed in relief. "That's good. I just hope the treatment costs are covered."
Wilber seemed ready for this. He pulled out a bag with his bank cards, car title, house deed, and all his assets. "Juliet, this is everything I have. Look, the Weaver family is in a tough spot, and your dad needs a lot of money for treatment. You're pregnant, and you need someone to take care of you. So, let's get married!"
Juliet looked at the stuff he pulled out, tempted. After a moment, she smiled sweetly. "Wilber, our relationship is so good, we should've gotten married ages ago. But I'm busy with work, my agent called me before I got on the plane. How about this, I'll have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement later, and we can sign it, okay? It'll be easier."
Wilber was initially bummed, but hearing Juliet, he nodded excitedly. "Okay!"
After they disappeared from sight, Luann looked away. "Let's go."
The driver immediately started the car.
Back home, she found Myron wasn't there. Luann felt a bit upset. She quickly called Myron. No answer. Finally, he picked up.
Luann pouted. "Myron, I'm home and craving your cooking."
Myron's response was mechanical. "Busy. Talk later."
