Let Me Stay The Night

Rayne looked at the chaotic scene around her, a sinking feeling creeping into her heart, for she knew she had sparked a calamity.

“The model previously in charge of the grand finale had a mishap in the hotel bathroom last night. She’s laid up in the hospital, unable to move. Worried that it would cause a delay in today’s show, I urgently contacted the model agency to recommend an experienced replacement to solve the problem. They sent me Melanie,” she explained.

As her gaze met Christina’s icy countenance, Rayne felt a shiver of unease.

“I investigated Melanie’s background thoroughly. She’s been modeling part–time since her university days. Both her beauty and demeanor are exceptional. I meant to discuss it with you today, but it completely slipped my mind in the rush of preparations. I was unaware of the conflict between Ms. Lesley and Melanie. If I had known, I would have rather taken to the runway myself than invited her,” Rayne added.

Knowing Rayne as well as she did, Christina had no doubts about her assistant’s integrity It seemed improbable that Rayne would have accepted bribes from Melanie to let her infiltrate and disrupt their fashion show.

“You’ye mistaken. The person who has a conflict with Melanie is me, not Victoria. Victoria was only standing up for me,” Christina clarified.

Rayne stood in stunned silence, her eyes darting between Christina and Melanie.

Christina did not offer further explanation and instead said, “Although this mess wasn’t intentional on your part, you violated our workplace rules. So, you have to manage the aftermath.”

Rayne had no objections. After all, she was in charge of the fashion studio. “I’ll handle it immediately.”

“Wait,” Christina called after her. “Bring me all the information on the models.”

“I’ll have my assistant deliver them to you,” Rayne replied, summoning her assistant to fetch the required documents. She then concentrated on controlling the damage.

instructing the staff to tidy up the scene. Then, she walked over to Melanie and said, “Ms. Steele, I sincerely apologize for my oversight which led to an out–of–the- norm hiring process. Therefore, I have to replace you.

Christina, she couldn’t be

public opinion were paramount for their newly reopened fashion studio. She had to

Rayne’s gaze with cold, unreadable eyes. “And what if I refuse and insist on

as per our

hadn’t achieved her position just by currying favor

Ms. Lesley is not just the special designer for our studio but

and continued, “If I were you, I’d take the payment

her manners held strong. They were in a public space, and an image must be maintained. She couldn’t afford to cause a

in need. I’m a well–known figure in the

stated, you’re here on a friend’s behalf. Well, allow me to be blunt. If it weren’t for this fashion show’s lucrative benefits, would you, a figure of modest fame, have been bothered by your friend’s request? Unless you’re implying, you aren’t in it for the money at all?” Rayne paused, her gaze turning frosty. “Or perhaps there’s a more nefarious

out in plain sight, Melanie would never

conceded to Rayne’s initial proposition. “When will the payment be

“It can be arranged now. I’ll send someone

members and personally oversaw the careful removal of the grand attire and jewelry adorning Melanie. Following this, she transferred the payment and even

served to heighten Melanie’s suspicion that Rayne was treating her like a beggar. Never before had she suffered such

her dignity fraying, Melanie collected her belongings and left, her face

and fumed. “She got off too easy! I should have clawed her face and

Victoria’s neck with a cotton swab, Christina reminded, “Rayne is a woman, Victoria. Your attempts to ensnare her with your beauty won’t work. Can’t you keep a level head? You would have made the headlines again if your outburst was caught

whine escaping her lips. “Christina, what do we do? My pride and joy, my