Chapter 17
991 Words
His demeanor softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Congrats."
"Thank you," I replied, feeling the ice around my heart thaw slightly.
I took the trophy, its weight grounding me in the moment.
We stood side by side for the photo.
Backstage, whispers swirled like a storm.
Everyone gossiped about the two alphas in the room: Alpha Sean, clearly here for Claire, and Alpha Alexander... was he here for me?
I caught Alpha Sean's gaze from across the room, his eyes darkening as he watched me smile at Alpha Alexander. The weight of his stare felt like a physical blow, but I forced myself to look away.
Onstage, the host announced Camille Hart, Carlisle Fashion's chief designer.
She presented the third-place award, then turned to Claire with a smile.
"Welcome to Carlisle Fashion. Keep it up."
Claire practically glowed as she clasped Camille's hand. "I'm honored to join as your intern, Camille. I look forward to learning from you."
My stomach knotted.
The first-place prize wasn't just the million dollars—it was a ticket into Carlisle Fashion, under the wing of Camille herself. And Camille's mentor, Margot Langford, was a legend whose connections reached every corner of high society. This was exactly what Charles wanted for Claire: a way to solidify her place in the Jovia pack.
"What's the point of talent?" I thought bitterly.
My designs were better, but Claire had won.
And with the competition held only every three years, she'd be a star by the time I had another shot.
Claire's smugness faded when Camille spoke again. "I have one more announcement." She glanced at me, her eyes warm with admiration.
"Due to the exceptional work of our second and third-place winners, Carlisle Fashion will offer internships to all three of you."
The crowd erupted.
I stood frozen, hardly able to believe my ears.
Emily's excited shriek and Claire's pale face confirmed it was real.
Claire's hands balled into fists, her knuckles white.
She'd expected to be the only one—now I was in, too.
As we exited the stage, Claire clung to Alpha Sean's arm, purposefully brushing past me.
I headed right, Alpha Alexander following.
He held back to let me go first, a gentlemanly gesture that made me relax slightly. But on the stairs, my heel caught my gown.
"Ah!" I gasped, stumbling.
Alpha Alexander's arm shot out, steadying my waist.
His touch was brief and respectful, releasing me as soon as I found my balance.
"Thank you," I said, my cheeks warm.
"Anytime." He offered his arm, and I took it, grateful for the support.
We descended together, his presence calming.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alpha Sean watching us.
His face was a storm, his gaze so cold it felt like ice in my veins.
Backstage, Charlotte thrust a bouquet at Claire. "You did it! I knew you'd win first!"
Claire forced a smile, but her mood was foul.
I tried to walk past them unnoticed, but Charlotte blocked my path.
"Some people cheat and still lose. Guess karma's a b***h, huh?"
I rounded on her, my voice sharp.
"You think Claire's win was fair? Don't make me laugh."
Claire feigned indignation. "Olivia, just because you lost—"
"Am I lying?" I shot back.
Charlotte sneered, oblivious to the danger.
"You're just jealous! And yeah, Claire won because of Alpha Sean. He loves her so much, he made sure she got first place. What did your 'talent' get you, huh?"
"Charlotte!"
Claire's voice was a warning, her face flushed. But it was too late.
Alpha Sean's voice cut through the hallway.
"What did you say?"
Claire went pale, panic in her eyes. Alpha Sean hated cheating. If he found out...
I turned away, not waiting to see his reaction.
I scrubbed off my makeup, changed into plain clothes, and headed for the parking lot.
The moment I was out of sight, the fake smile fell.
Thoughts of Ellie's unfinished resting place gnawed at me, a constant ache.
A black Maybach pulled up beside me.
The window rolled down, revealing Alpha Alexander's face.
"Olivia," he said,
"I was impressed by your design. Do you have time to talk?"
My heart lifted. "Absolutely!"
As I slid into the car, I didn't look back.
But I could feel Alpha Sean's gaze on my back, a shadow lingering in the night.
In the dim light, his eyes burned like an abyss, flames flickering with the urge to consume everything.
At home
Alpha Alexander, always the gentleman, smoothly pulled out a chair for me.
The gesture was so natural, as if it was second nature to him.
"Thanks," I murmured, trying to hide the slight flutter in my stomach as I sank into the seat.
Everywhere in the pack, I'd heard whispers about how he was the perfect blend of class and charm, and right now, those rumors seemed spot - on.
He took his place across from me, his movements fluid and graceful.
After we ordered our meal, an awkward silence settled between us.
I fidgeted in my seat, my mind racing with thoughts.
I'd expected him to immediately dive into a discussion about my work, my latest design that had caught his eye. That's why he'd invited me, right?
But instead, he just... stared.
His gaze was soft, almost tender, and there was nothing predatory about it.
Still, the intensity of his attention made me shift uncomfortably.
It was as if he was looking right through me, seeing all the cracks and secrets I tried so hard to hide.
My brows knitted together in confusion.
I met his eyes head - on, my expression turning cold.
What was he doing? Why wasn't he talking about the competition, about my designs?
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