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.

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. Rest assured, the payment agreed upon earlier will be sent in full to your company. I’ll

Rayne leaned toward siding with Christina, she couldn’t be like Victoria,

public opinion were paramount for their newly reopened fashion studio. She had to make sure Melanie didn’t tarnish their image after leaving their

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

as per our

position just by currying

edge. “Ms. Seymour, I suggest you put aside the benefits you think you might gain by making things difficult for me. Ms. Lesley is not just the

I were you, I’d take the payment

in a public space, and an image

I am here to help a friend in need. I’m a well–known figure in the entertainment industry. Are you trying to brush me

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

was all laid out in plain sight, Melanie would never admit to her

initial proposition. “When will the

demeanor warmed slightly. “It can be arranged now. I’ll send someone over

beckoned over a makeup artist and a few staff members and personally oversaw the careful removal of the grand attire and jewelry adorning Melanie. Following this, she transferred the payment and even generously covered her meal and transportation

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

fraying, Melanie collected her belongings and

after Melanie’s retreating form and fumed. “She got off too easy! I should have clawed her face and made sure she was unable to

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

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