Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
Evita had arrived early and was standing at the heart of the banquet hall when she noticed Isabella and her companions. Her eyes immediately narrowed.
At the salon gathering, it could have been a coincidence that Isabella was there, but now she found herself wondering: why was Isabella here again, this time with Luka and another woman? Evita quickly glanced behind the trio, but no one else was in sight. Had Timeless Elegance’s designer not shown up after all?
Evita felt a twinge of disappointment but quickly masked it, composing herself before making her way over to the trio.
“Mr. Calderon, we meet again,” she said, forcing a smile as her gaze flicked from Luka to Isabella and Vienna.
“Today’s event is tailored specifically for designers. I didn’t expect that, besides managing companies, Miss Patton and Ms. Hobbes are also fashion design enthusiasts. Well… I suppose it makes sense for you to attend.”
Her last words seemed like a passing thought, but they were anything but accidental. With a hint of calculated ease, she subtly reminded everyone of Isabella’s and Vienna’s “amateur” status.
Timeless Elegance had been the talk of the town lately, especially with the release of their new collection, leaving many curious about the talent behind it. Some designers even dreamed of joining the brand. Seeing Luka accompanied by companions, many wanted to forge new connections. However, they were taken aback to find that he had not brought Timeless Elegance’s designers, but instead had brought along two amateurs.
The crowd quickly sensed that Luka didn’t seem to value designers, and their interest in making connections with him began to fade. Before the event even began, Evita’s words had already put a distance between Luka and his companions and the rest of the crowd.
Isabella’s gaze turned ice-cold as she met Evita’s so-called innocent expression, which couldn’t hide the malice beneath.
“Passion is the greatest asset for any designer,” she said, her voice steady but laced with unspoken resolve.
“Many exceptional works featured in magazines are the first creations from up-and-coming designers. There are countless examples of this in the industry. Miss Gordon, it’s fine if your perspective is limited, but there’s no need to make it so obvious.”
Her words were blunt.
The surrounding designers, hesitant to be branded as having a “limited perspective,” paused in their initial decision to distance themselves from Luka and his group. Evita’s fake smile wavered, and her dislike for Isabella grew stronger.
“Ha, Miss Patton, don’t twist my words. I never said anything against amateur designers. I simply didn’t expect to see you here today.”
With Isabella’s cutting retort, the murmurs around the room began to grow. A few designers who were aware of Evita’s connection to Marcus considered aligning themselves with her.
“I think Evita has a point. While there are certainly talented amateur designers, it’s clear that Isabella and her friend can’t compare to professionals.”
“Evita was just being polite. Who knew they’d be so sensitive?”
“Exactly, they’re acting like Evita’s bullying them…”
As the whispers grew louder, the sentiment against Isabella began to solidify.
“Miss Patton is here at my personal invitation. Does anyone have a problem with that? For today’s event, I can’t think of anyone more qualified to attend.”
The tension between the two sides escalated until a familiar voice broke through. Everyone turned to see Marcus and his assistant approaching Isabella.
“Miss Patton, welcome.” Marcus’s deep voice echoed as he approached Isabella, his warm hand extended.
Isabella smiled graciously.
“The pleasure is mine.” Their friendly interaction stunned the onlookers, leaving the designers momentarily speechless. It turned out that Isabella had been invited personally by Marcus, but most of them had learned about the event through hearsay and had asked for invitations from his assistant.
What made Isabella so special that Marcus would invite her personally? Even Evita was taken aback. Marcus had no idea Isabella had saved him, so why was she invited?
Marcus, however, did not acknowledge Evita’s doubts or the murmurs of the crowd. He moved to the podium, his presence commanding attention.
“I know you are all outstanding designers with a style rooted in Lorpond’s culture. I’m delighted to see you all and look forward to tonight’s event, hoping everyone gains something valuable.”
With Marcus’s opening remarks, the event officially kicked off. Isabella, observing from the corner as Marcus engaged with the crowd, turned to Luka and Vienna once the throng around him began to thin.
“Uncle, Vienna, shall we go over?”
“Alright.”
Before coming here, Luka had already carefully planned his words in the office, determined to convey the full value of Timeless Elegance’s brand to Marcus. Timeless Elegance already boasted unparalleled strength, and with meticulous preparation, Luka was confident that Marcus would be impressed. He even brought along actual garments for Marcus to admire.
As Marcus examined the pieces, his eyes, sharpened by years of experience, lit up with admiration.
“These garments truly embody great craftsmanship and cultural legacy,” he remarked, his gaze lingering on the intricate details before reluctantly returning the pieces to Luka, already making a decision in his mind.
From the very start of the banquet, Evita’s eyes had subtly followed the designers clustering around Marcus. Each designer displayed their talents and achievements, yet none managed to provoke the kind of awe Marcus now wore. It seemed when Luka and his group appeared, everything shifted.
Evita felt a familiar flutter of nervousness, tightening her grip on the edge of her dress. She had foreseen this moment and already devised a plan—now it was time to execute it.
Glancing at the time, she noted it was almost eight in the evening. The banquet had only just begun, and guests were absorbed in their conversations. Evita weaved through the crowd, finding the designers who had previously spoken up for her.
“I’m planning to share my recent creative inspirations with Mr. Vaughn. Would you like to join me?” she asked with a smile.
These designers, on good terms with Evita and hoping for an introduction to Marcus, had spoken up for her and unintentionally offended Marcus. Now, they were hesitant to approach him, fearing they might make things worse.
Evita, noticing their reluctance, flashed them a reassuring smile.
“Mr. Vaughn is very understanding. You spoke up for me earlier, so let’s go together and apologize to Mr. Calderon and his companions. That should clear everything up.”
Encouraged by Evita’s words, the designers agreed. They flagged down a waiter and headed toward Luka and his companions.
“Mr. Vaughn, Mr. Calderon, Miss Patton, Ms. Hobbes, we apologize for any misunderstandings earlier. Please forgive us.”
The designers’ eyes drifted to the garments Luka had yet to put away.
“The new designs from Timeless Elegance are already online, but seeing the finished pieces in person, I find they’re even more stunning and full of life. Mr. Calderon, you’ve led Timeless Elegance to create such remarkable garments, and we, as fellow designers, would like to raise a toast to your success!”
Each designer held up a glass of wine, their faces wearing apologetic smiles, all eyes on Luka and his companions. Their shift in attitude was clear; they were merely trying to improve their image in front of Marcus.
Luka, however, wasn’t one to be easily manipulated, and he hesitated to lift a glass.
Evita, standing across from him, bit her lip and stepped forward.
“Mr. Calderon, the misunderstanding earlier was entirely my fault. I spoke without thinking. Mr. Vaughn is the designer I respect the most and my role model. Mr. Calderon, being appreciated by someone I admire, you are also a role model for me, someone I should respect. I hope you can overlook my mistake.”
Evita’s sincerity outshone the others, her words thoughtful and full of grace. She turned her gaze from Luka to Marcus. Marcus had already decided to collaborate with Timeless Elegance.
Yet, Evita had made repeated attempts to work with him, and for someone who had saved his life, Marcus made an exception to speak up for her.
“Mr. Calderon, since they’ve acknowledged their mistake, let’s put this behind us. As the organizer of this banquet, I hope you all can let go of any grudges and not let this affect your mood.”
Hearing Marcus’s words, Luka and his companions exchanged glances before picking up the last three glasses from the waiter. As Luka lifted his glass, Evita’s eyes gleamed, and a smile of gratitude curled her lips. She raised her own glass, finishing her drink with a quiet satisfaction.
As the group departed, the other designers also mingled, glasses in hand. Perhaps due to the excitement, Luka felt the alcohol start to take hold. Though he could usually handle his drinks, tonight, two glasses left him feeling a surprising warmth spread through him.
“Online, but seeing the finished pieces in person, I find they’re even more stunning and full of life. Mr. Calderon, you’ve led Timeless Elegance to create such remarkable garments, and we, as fellow designers, would like to raise a toast to your success!”
Each designer held up a glass of wine, their faces wearing apologetic smiles, all eyes on Luka and his companions. Their shift in attitude was clear; they were merely trying to improve their image in front of Marcus.
Luka, however, wasn’t one to be easily manipulated, and he hesitated to lift a glass.
Evita, standing across from him, bit her lip and stepped forward.
“Mr. Calderon, the misunderstanding earlier was entirely my fault. I spoke without thinking.”
“Mr. Vaughn is the designer I respect the most and my role model. Mr. Calderon, being appreciated by someone I admire, you are also a role model for me, someone I should respect. I hope you can overlook my mistake.” Evita’s sincerity outshone the others, her words thoughtful and full of grace. She turned her gaze from Luka to Marcus.
Marcus had already decided to collaborate with Timeless Elegance. Yet, Evita had made repeated attempts to work with him, and for someone who had saved his life, Marcus made an exception to speak up for her.
“Mr. Calderon, since they’ve acknowledged their mistake, let’s put this behind us. As the organizer of this banquet, I hope you all can let go of any grudges and not let this affect your mood.”
Hearing Marcus’s words, Luka and his companions exchanged glances before picking up the last three glasses from the waiter. As Luka lifted his glass, Evita’s eyes gleamed, and a smile of gratitude curled her lips. She raised her own glass, finishing her drink with quiet satisfaction.
As the group departed, the other designers also mingled, glasses in hand. Perhaps due to the excitement, Luka felt the alcohol start to take hold. Though he could usually handle his drinks, tonight, two glasses left him feeling a surprising warmth spread through him.
In the banquet hall, designers approached Isabella, eager to make small talk. She navigated the social scene with practiced ease, yet her attention was stolen when she spotted Evita descending from the second floor. Isabella paused, her brow furrowing slightly. Evita was manipulative and scheming, never passing up an opportunity to network—so why was she upstairs instead of mingling with others?
“Miss Patton? What do you think of what I just said?” The designer before Isabella raised his glass, repeating his earlier words.
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