Chapter 431
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
"Can you believe her? She's so out of her league. How dare she show up on the runway wearing that raggedy outfit?"
"Exactly! Does she really think she has what it takes? She should take a good look in the mirror. How could she possibly deserve a spot on the Lendora Fashion Week runway?" "She's just another woman who climbed her way up using backdoor deals. Her true colors are about to show."
Listening to the crowd's sneers and snide remarks, my heart felt like it was sinking into an abyss. I clenched my fists tightly. My nails dug deep into my palms.
How I wish I could rush down from the runway and slap every single one of them! But instead, I took a deep breath and slowly raised my head.
I stepped forward. Light and poised, I walked down the runway as if I owned it. Every step was landed with precision. Each step struck a chord in the audience's hearts.
The whispers gradually faded and were replaced by stunned silence. Moments later, the atmosphere shifted.
"Oh my god, Evelyn... Look at her. She's... she's incredible!"
"Oh my god!"
"Holy shit, I love her!"
Everyone was dumbstruck. Their eyes locked on me as though they were witnessing a masterpiece unfold between them. The so-called "raggedy outfit" they had ridiculed earlier now glowed with a unique brilliance, captivating every gaze in the room. "But so what if she's beautiful? This is about design, not a beauty contest!"
"Right? You can tell she's not exactly 'classy."
I stood at the center of the runway. The neon lights cast a soft glow on me, illuminating my skin. I tilted my chin slightly and parted my lips to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you
for being here tonight. I'm Evelyn Wiley-an ordinary designer, a
dreamer To you, I might be a nobody or an unworthy presence. A woman who made her way to the top through questionable means.
"But let me tell you this, I didn't compromise myself. I rely solely on my strength and talent! You mock my designs, question my abilities, and even accuse me of plagiarism and theft. But I stand here tonight-1, Evelyn Wiley, have never done anything against my conscience!Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.
"I've created every piece of work through my sweat, tears, and hard work. I might be inexperienced, but I'm not afraid to compete with the best of the best.
"Tonight, I'll wear this so-called 'raggedy outfit' on the runway of Lendora Fashion Week. And one day, I'll silence all the doubters with my work and claim the dignity I hold as a designer!"
The room fell into absolute silence. All eyes were locked on me, utterly awestruck by my unshakable confidence.
After what felt like an eternity, a single voice broke through the stillness.
"Evelyn, I believe in you! Keep going!"
Another voice followed, then another. Suddenly, applause erupted like a wave, and chants of encouragement filled the room. "Evelyn, you're amazing! You've got this!"
"That was brilliant! Well said!"
The once-hostile crowd had turned
into an electrified sea of support. Even those who had mocked me earlier dared not utter another word
against me. They were afraid of
being drowned out-or worse
I looked at the audience and took in the overwhelming energy. The years of effort and sacrifice it took me!
Then, I turned my gaze toward the backstage. There stood Ethan, smiling warmly at me.
I nodded at him and blew him a playful kiss.
For a moment, he froze, visibly startled. But then his usual stern demeanor melted into the brightest smile I had ever seen.
In the crowd, Caroline stood on the sidelines. Her face was twisted with envy and frustration as she watched me bask in the glory she thought I'd never achieve.