Chapter 195 Crushed
Ada's wedding was just two weeks away.
Evelyn had been swamped lately, barely catching a break. She was constantly tweaking wedding plans for Ada, overseeing setups, and handling important documents like budgets and personnel. On her busiest day, she only got three hours of sleep.
But she loved it. The busier she was, the more energized she felt, especially when there was a goal and profit involved.
After a morning team meeting, Evelyn sat in her office at noon, munching on a sandwich while reviewing a document.
William knocked and came in with coffee. Seeing Evelyn's tired but cute look, he shook his head with a smile, "Evelyn, eating while working is bad for your stomach."
"I can't help it, no time. I have a fashion event this afternoon," Evelyn said, taking a big bite of her sandwich without looking up.
"Your schedule's packed today? I thought you had some free time, so I booked a spa session for you," William said, concerned.
"Let's do it after Ada's wedding. Too much on my mind to relax now," Evelyn replied, sipping her coffee. "Any news from Debra and Tiffany?"
"I've been watching them, but it's been quiet," William said thoughtfully. "Maybe they've given up?"
Evelyn smirked, recalling what Edward said, "Don't let your guard down. Debra worked hard to get this chance from Edward. She won't give up without causing trouble."
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
The administrative secretary walked in with a white gift box. "Ms. Taylor, here are the desserts you asked for."
"Thanks, just leave them on the table," Evelyn said.
After the secretary left, William opened the box to reveal some exquisite brownies. He smiled, remembering how focused Evelyn looked when making desserts.
"William, get ready. We're leaving soon."
In the afternoon, Edward returned to his office after a meeting.
"Edward, you got an invitation to the jewelry show a week ago. Ada will be there too, so shouldn't we..." Bart started, but Edward cut him off, "Not going."
"Are you sure?" Bart blinked. "We already lost face when Ada chose KS over us. If we don't go, reporters will say we're jealous of KS WORLD and petty."
"Debra will be there. She's in charge of Ada's project now," Edward said dismissively, adding with a sneer, "Birds of a feather flock together. Debra never misses these events."
"But I just heard Mrs. Wellington is already at the venue," Bart said.
Edward's eyes flickered. "Get me a change of clothes and prepare the car."
Bart smirked inwardly, 'When it comes to Mrs. Wellington, Edward's always honest.'
This year's top luxury jewelry brand AX's show was at the Mugden International Convention Center.
Big names in fashion and A-list celebrities attended, making the red carpet look like a star-studded awards show.
The most eye-catching was international superstar Ada, the biggest star at the show and AX's brand ambassador in Mythorica.
Debra and Jessica easily got invitations that other minor celebrities would fight over.
They walked the red carpet slowly, striking poses for the cameras, annoying the reporters.
If the host hadn't repeatedly "invited" them to move along, they might have grown roots on the red carpet.
"What's their deal? Do they not have carpets at home? It's embarrassing to linger like that!"
"And to top it off, they came out after Ada! Such posers!"
"I didn't take a single picture. I don't want worthless people taking up my camera's memory!"
"Debra is the daughter of the Wellington Group, and I heard Jessica is Eric's younger sister. They may not be famous, but they're rich. They probably bought their way in!"
Debra and Jessica, thinking they had garnered some attention, entered the venue satisfied.
But inside, they realized all the media were focused on big stars like Ada or the brand designers. No one paid them any attention!
"Damn it! Are these reporters blind?!" Debra stomped her foot in frustration. "How dare they ignore us? They really don't know their priorities! I'll make sure they disappear from the Mugden media circle!"
"Reporters care about fame and influence. If you're famous, skilled, and influential, they'll swarm around you like sharks smelling blood," Jessica said, equally annoyed, taking a jab at Debra to vent her frustration.
"Yes, I'm not in this circle. Tiffany always told me not to mingle with the media, saying it's beneath us to interact too much with the lower class," Debra retorted, not one to take insults lying down, even from a partner like Jessica.
Feigning innocence but with a mocking tone, she added, "But Jessica, you're a socialite and a top pianist's protégé in Mugden. It's surprising no one is interviewing you. As your sister, I feel indignant for you! Should I call a few reporters over to give you some attention?"
"No need! I'm a low-key person and hate being gawked at like an exhibit!" Jessica snapped, barely containing her anger.
They rolled their eyes and turned away, ignoring each other.
Just then, they heard hurried footsteps behind them.
"Look! It's Evelyn from the Taylor Group!"
"We didn't see her on the red carpet earlier, but she's already inside. She's so elusive!"
"She's so low-key. She manages the hotel so well, secured Ada's wedding, both beautiful and capable. Unlike some heiresses who only know how to spend money and hog the red carpet, contributing nothing else!"
Though the reporters didn't name names, Debra and Jessica felt their faces burn as if they'd been slapped.
The reporters swarmed towards Evelyn.
Two of them, in their haste, bumped into Debra and Jessica, nearly knocking them over.
"Are you blind?!" Debra yelled, barely regaining her balance.
Jessica watched the reporters surround Evelyn, trembling with rage.
"Ms. Taylor! How do you feel about securing Ada's wedding over the Wellington Group?" a reporter shouted.
"First of all, I'm honored to work with Ms. Smith and grateful for her trust in KS WORLD. I want to clarify that while KS and the Wellington Group were competing for the same opportunity, our win doesn't make the Wellington Group losers. The Wellington family's hotel has a longer history in Mugden and has always been an industry benchmark. I hope this doesn't create any prejudice against them or affect the relationship between KnightSpear Group and the Wellington Group," Evelyn replied gracefully.
Evelyn knew she had made a comeback but understood the importance of knowing when to stop. She wouldn't gloat or take the opportunity to belittle the Wellington Group, as that would be ungracious.
"Ms. Taylor is so charismatic! I'm completely impressed!"
"Yes, even as the winner, she's so humble. Her personality is so likable! I used to think her move was a bit underhanded, but now I don't think so at all!"
Praises for Evelyn echoed around.
Jessica's eyes filled with hatred, her fists clenched in trembling rage.
Suddenly, she noticed Evelyn's gold rose earrings inlaid with rubies and the matching ruby necklace on her swan-like neck.
Debra stared at the large ruby on Evelyn's neck, swallowing hard with envy.
Jessica was also envious, but her mind worked quickly, spotting a detail, her eyes turning cold as a plan flashed in her mind.
