Chapter 257 New Model?
Claire's frown deepened. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Talia leaned in closer, lowering her voice even more. "One of our models just called in sick, and we're desperate. We need someone to fill in."
Claire raised an eyebrow, still not understanding what Talia was getting at. "Okay, so you need a model. How can I help?"
Talia took another deep breath, looking Claire straight in the eyes. "I want you to replace her."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Claire's eyes widened in shock, and she stared at Talia as if she had grown another head. "Are you crazy?" Claire exclaimed, her voice rising. "I'm not a model, Talia. I'm a CEO. I run a company, remember?"
Adrian, who had been quietly sipping his drink beside Claire, chuckled softly, earning a sharp look from Claire. He shrugged, trying to keep a straight face. "Talia has a point, Claire. The show is starting in a few minutes, and she doesn't have a lot of options. You're already here, and you look fantastic. I'm sure you'll do amazing."
Claire turned her glare from Talia to Adrian, crossing her arms over her chest. "I can't believe you're siding with her," she said, exasperated. "You know I don't do this kind of thing."
Adrian just smiled, giving her a reassuring nod. "Come on, Claire. It'll be fun. Besides, you always say you're up for a challenge. Consider this your challenge for the night."
Claire sighed, feeling the weight of both their stares on her. She could see the pleading look in Talia's eyes, and despite her own reservations, she knew she couldn't let her friend down. "Fine," she said at last, rolling her eyes. "I'll do it. But you both owe me for this." Talia's face broke into a wide grin, and she clapped her hands in excitement. "Yes! Thank you, Claire! You're a lifesaver!" She wasted no time, grabbing Claire's arm and practically dragging her out of her seat. "Come on, we don't have much time! We need to get you backstage."
Claire stumbled after Talia, shooting a helpless look over her shoulder at Adrian, who waved cheerfully as she disappeared into the chaos of backstage. Once there, Claire was met with a flurry of activity. Hairdressers and makeup artists swooped in, their hands moving quickly as they stripped away Claire's everyday look and replaced it with something more glamorous, more fitting for the runway.
"Hold still," one of the makeup artists murmured, expertly applying a bold shade of lipstick to Claire's lips. Claire did her best to remain calm, though her heart was pounding. This wasn't her world-she was used to boardrooms and business deals, not catwalks and couture.
Talia hovered nearby, checking the time on her watch every few seconds. "Ten minutes," she called out, glancing at Claire. "How's it going?"
"We're almost done," the hairdresser replied, pinning the last few strands of Claire's hair into place. "Just a few more touches."
Claire caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Her hair was styled in soft waves, her makeup flawless, and her outfit-well, she hadn't seen the outfit yet, but she could only imagine what Talia had in mind. "There," the makeup artist said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look perfect."
Talia nodded approvingly, then hurried over to a nearby rack of clothes. She pulled out a stunning emerald green dress, the fabric shimmering under the bright lights. "Here, put this on," she said, handing the dress to Claire.
Claire took the dress, running her fingers over the silky material. "Are you sure about this, Talia?" she asked, still feeling a bit unsure. "I mean, what if I trip or fall?"
Talia waved away her concerns. "You won't. Just walk straight, look confident, and you'll be fine. Now hurry up, we're running out of time."
Claire slipped into the dress, thenovelbin
fabric hugging her figure perfectly. It
was beautiful, elegant, and
completely out of her usual style She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Talia handed her a pair of heels, and Claire quickly slipped them on, wobbling slightly as she found her balance.
"Perfect," Talia said, adjusting a few final details. "You're going to be the showstopper, Claire. Since you're stepping in, you'll be our special appearance. You'll walk last and close the show." Claire's eyes widened. "Special appearance? Are you trying to give me a heart attack, Talia?"
Talia grinned. "Trust me, it's going to be amazing. Just think of it as another business presentation. Only, you know, with more lights and cameras."
Claire gave her a look but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "You better be right about this," she muttered.
The grand hall of Adrian's mansion
buzzed with excitement as the fashion show began. Guests were seated, cameras were ready, and a soft murmur of anticipation filled the air. The runway, lined with elegant lights, stretched out like a gleaming path, waiting for the models to make their entrance.
One by one, the models began strutting down the runway, each showcasing Talia Armetta's latest fashion creations. They moved with the grace and confidence of true professionals, their expressions cool and aloof as they glided past the audience. Claire watched from backstage, her nerves tightening with each model that stepped out. She was far from being a professional model-she was just doing this as a favor for her best friend, Talia. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little out of her depth. "This is nuts," Claire muttered to herself, adjusting the strap of her dress for the hundredth time. "What was I thinking, agreeing to this?"
"You were thinking that you're an amazing friend," Talia said, popping up beside her with a reassuring smile. She looked radiant, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she peeked out to watch her designs come to life on the runway. "And you are. Just breathe, okay? You look fantastic."
Claire gave Talia a skeptical look. "I look like a terrified deer about to bolt."
"Nonsense," Talia laughed. "You're going to be amazing. Just remember to keep your head high and walk like you own the place."
Claire took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Talia's confidence was infectious, but Claire still felt the nerves fluttering inside her. She peered out at the runway, watching as the models moved with effortless grace, their faces blank and serene. She'd watched enough fashion shows to know the drill-act cool, act confident. Easier said than done.
Finally, it was Claire's turn. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped up to the edge of the runway. She took one last deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and stepped out into the light.
The moment she did, she heard
gasps from the audience, followed by the rapid clicking of cameras. The flashes seemed even brighter than before, dazzling her for a moment as she made her way down the runway. Claire forced herself to keep a straight face, her expression stoic, just like she'd practiced in the mirror a dozen times.
"Look at that!" someone in the audience whispered, their voice barely audible over the sound of the cameras. "Isn't that Claire, from Metacortex?"