Chapter 97
In a room full of celebrated designers, Rebekah was an unknown. Those who had just met her knew she was a novice. When her design was displayed on the large screen, a collective gasp went through the hall.
She had designed a form-fitting gown, but with a twist. The pattern was bold, the silhouette audacious. The veterans in the room, who had seen it all, recognized something rare in her work: a spark of brilliance.
“Give her a few more years, and Miss Fletcher will be an internationally renowned designer p>
“I would have voted for that piece too. It’s daring, full of life p>
“Rebekah, I told you that you were no beginner! I love your work. We should collaborate sometime p>
A wave of praise washed over Rebekah. She felt a gentle warmth spread through her chest, and her eyes welled up with tears. For so long, at the Forrester estate, she had been told she was worthless. Now, here were industry experts lavishing her with genuine admiration. She was deeply moved.
The grand prize from Quinn Apparel and the Hawthorne Group was announced: a check for one million dollars.
The designers, who had been expecting something more substantial, were slightly let down. For them, money was the one thing they didn’t lack. But the simplicity of the prize also brought a sense of relief. As much as they admired Rebekah’s talent, being outshone by a newcomer was a blow to their pride. They wouldn’t admit it, but if the prize had been a major, career-making opportunity, the envy would have been much harder to swallow. But it was just money.
Patricia felt indignant on her behalf. “I thought with the Hawthorne Group involved, the prize would be something big, like a long-term contract. A million dollars is nothing p>
Rebekah, however, was ecstatic. “A million dollars is wonderful!” Money was exactly what she needed right now. This would make her next steps much easier.
After she accepted her prize, many of the designers came over to congratulate her. Rebekah chatted with them, her smile genuine, her attitude humble. The veterans were impressed. She accepted their praise with a quiet confidence that was neither arrogant nor timid.
From the second floor, Jensen’s gaze softened even more.
Quentin clicked his tongue. “You really went all out for Miss Fletcher. You used the Hawthorne name to elevate the prestige of the prize, got all these big shots to play along, and then after she won, you made the prize small enough that no one would get too jealous. Jensen, I can’t wait to see if she’ll be so
moved by all this that she offers
herself to you in gratitude p>
Jensen shot him a look that could cut glass. “I don’t need her gratitude,” he said softly. “I need her love p>
Quentin didn’t catch it. “What did you say p>
Jensen didn’t answer. He just stared at the woman below, his eyes filled with a tender longing. *Sister*, he thought, *this time, I’m never letting you go p>
Rebekah felt a prickling on the back of her neck and looked up, but the second- floor balcony was empty.
The rest of the conference was a pleasant blur. Afterward, Patricia invited her to dinner, and Rebekah happily accepted. But as she was leaving the hall, she ran into Benjamin and Candice, who were coming from the adjacent ballroom.
“What are you doing here p>