Chapter 48: Make Her Happy

The contestants were motivated by the prizes awaiting the winner.

Gathering in the other hall, Joan detached herself from the crowd and sat beside Luna, smiling. For once, she politely said, “These designers can’t win. I bet you’re taking that diamond home, Ms. Alana.”

Luna felt everyone’s gaze—hostile glares, scornful looks, even challenges. She suspected Joan was trying to turn everyone against them.

Top Designer was a show for new designers. Besides the prominent mentors, everyone else was a regular designer. Still, it was an East Joy production; a big shot might be hidden among them.

Luna was about to speak, but Joan’s sycophants quickly interjected.

“You know, we should be envying you. That’s an expensive diamond, but Mr. Graham used it as a prize just for you.”

“Yeah. Even if Alana wins, the diamond’s still a gift from Mr. Graham to make you happy.”

Luna and Abigail froze. Luna’s look at Abigail asked, “Sean sponsored that diamond?”

Abigail shook her head. She didn’t know, but Sean might have done it to boost Joan’s fame.

Since Abigail remained silent, Luna blurted, “Oh, so Mr. Graham sponsored it?”

Joan disliked the diamond being a prize, but she remained happy, flashing a sheepish smile. “I’m surprised he did that. He didn’t tell me.”

Everyone played along. “Hey, he invested in this show. He bought the entire hotel and resort for the shoot, all for Joan! She’ll win easily. I envy anyone on her team.”

Luna snapped, “What the—”

Abigail covered Luna’s mouth, smiling politely. “Sorry, but my boss is feeling peckish.”

Alone, Luna grumbled, “Why did you stop me? That bitch was so smug, showing off her affair!”

One of the show’s better aspects was its fair treatment of everyone—designers, assistants, celebrities; they were all equal. Even their seating was unified.

Abigail took Luna’s hand, leading her to their seats. “I wouldn’t have stopped you, but the cameras were on you, and you looked like a witch.”

This distracted Luna. Realizing it was a live show, she quickly massaged her cheeks. “Really? Then I must look awful. Good thing you stopped me; I would have said something shocking. And Twitter would have canceled me.”

She hunched over. “First day, and I already want to quit. You’re far more patient than I am.”

Abigail said calmly, “Even if the public knows I’m Sean’s wife, they’ll just say I’m unworthy. The only way to prove them wrong is to show them what we’ve got. Arguing never works. Besides, I’m getting a divorce anyway. I wouldn’t get anything, but now I have a chance at the diamond. It’s lucky.”

Luna’s eyes glinted. “True. Once you make a name for yourself, you can expose Joan’s true colors. With fame and justice on our side, she’ll be canceled too. And that jackass Sean can eat shit.”

Abigail didn't explain her earlier silence. She'd asked Sean for help to avoid sabotaging him; losing his support would ruin her. Still, Joan's boasting was mortifying. I have to win. Even if it’s not for Grandma, I have to do it for my dignity. I’ll smack Sean’s face with the diamond.

The behind-the-scenes footage went to Kevin for evaluation. After watching it, he sent it to Sean, embellishing the story slightly: "This woman is more than meets the eye. I can see how she managed to hook up with you."

She’d hyped her relationship with Sean during early promotion, which he’d noticed. He hadn’t stopped it, as it boosted ratings. If Joan stayed in line, he’d boost her fame for Sean’s sake.

Sean texted back, "Think before you speak next time, or else!"

Kevin leaned back, crossing his legs on his desk. He texted back, "So what’s your deal with her? An old flame rekindled?"

Sean texted curtly, "Shut it."

Kevin texted, "Okay, so that’s not it. Your wife—ex-wife—is joining the show, and you’re letting Joan start a scandal? No wonder Abigail wanted a divorce."

Kevin sent a snapshot, adding, "Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but any woman who stays calm when her husband’s having an affair either doesn’t care, or she’s up to something big. Be careful."

When Damon was summoned to review the footage, it showed everyone fawning over Joan. Happily, he said, “Mr. Stewart, I put Ms. Palmer and Alana on the same team to boost Ms. Palmer’s fame. The lots were rigged. Once the show starts and Mr. Graham finds out we ensured Ms. Palmer’s win, he’ll be delighted.”

I've removed asterisks and replaced them with appropriate phrasing. I've also corrected grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for clarity and flow. The narrative is now significantly improved.