Chapter 95
The hall was a sea of glittering chandeliers and elegant decor. Waitstaff moved gracefully through the crowd with trays of champagne and delicate bites, while a long table along the wall was laden with exquisite pastries. Designers from all over the world mingled in small groups, their conversations punctuated by refined laughter. Each one had a distinct, creative style.
Rebekah’s eyes immediately found Basil. He was dressed in a white suit with a striking gray and gold silk scarf artfully tucked into the side, which swayed elegantly with his every move. He was currently smiling, engaged in conversation with a female designer.
When he finished, Rebekah approached him. The moment he saw her, his face clouded over. “How did you get in p>
Rebekah’s own expression hardened. “Mr. Basil, have I done something to offend you?” His sudden shift in attitude was too drastic to ignore. Now was the time to find out why.
Basil let out a cold laugh. “You have Mr. Quinn backing you. I doubt you’d care if you did offend me p>
There it was again—that passive-aggressive tone. Rebekah frowned. “Mr. Basil, you are my mentor in design, and I respect you as my teacher. If I’ve done something wrong, please just tell me, and I will fix it. There’s no need for these kinds of remarks p>
“Hah,” he scoffed. “You don’t even know what you’ve done wrong. How can I expect you to change?” He shot her a dismissive look. “I’m going to tell Mr. Quinn to find someone else to mentor you. I don’t teach people who only get by on connections p>
Before Rebekah could respond, he turned and walked away. She watched him go, her own expression turning cold. She wasn’t a doormat. If he was going to treat
her with such contempt, she was done trying to win his approval.
Just then, a host took the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve prepared a little game for you this evening. To the right of the hall, you will find easels and art supplies. We invite you to design an evening gown inspired by tonight’s event. The grand prize is jointly provided by Quinn Apparel and the Hawthorne Group, and will be revealed shortly p>
The designers, initially uninterested, suddenly perked up at the mention of the Haythorne Group. Quinn Apparel was a global brand, but the Hawthorne Group was The Capital’s most enigmatic and wealthiest family. They were famously private, rarely participating in business. events. Despite their low profile, the name commanded immense respect. The idea that a family who had quietly built a national empire could become the wealthiest in the country without fanfare was awe-inspiring.
The designers had all heard the legends. Now, intrigued by the prize, they eagerly made their way to the easels.
Rebekah found an empty spot and began to sketch. The girl next to her, who looked to be in her early twenties with a cheerful, round face, glanced over and her eyes widened.
“You’re beautiful,” she said. “I’ve rarely seen someone make a simple dress look so stunning.” Rebekah’s figure was elegant and graceful, her aura refined. She was unforgettable.
“Thank you,” Rebekah replied with a warm smile. “I’m Rebekah, a new designer p>
“A new designer?” The girl looked surprised. She glanced at the few lines Rebekah had already sketched on her board. “But you look like. natural Though… your lines aren’t quite as smooth as they could be. Is your hand injured p>