Chapter 55: There's a Camera

This segment was a competition between the designers' differing styles. There were no restrictions on canvas size, and each designer created a draft based on their interpretation of their model's style.

Since it was a live professional show, there was minimal downtime. Almost all screen time was dedicated to the contestants. They submitted their initial drafts before 4:00 p.m., followed by a discussion and collaborative merging of ideas.

In other words, the designers needed significant alone time for inspiration. As assistant, Abigail had to interview the models and obtain their measurements to streamline the discussion. She and Luna were not at the same venue, so she couldn't create another sketch.

Once the host left, the atmosphere in the hall became more lively. Designers discussed their concepts. Abigail was apprehensive, but followed Joan to her room, retrieving her notebook and tape measure. "Miss Palmer, I need to take your measurements."

Joan was unhurried. Before the cameraman arrived, she leaned against the door and looked at Abigail. "Did Luna meet Sean last night? Tell me the truth, and I'll give you fifteen thousand dollars."

That's likely her annual salary.

Abigail paused, then looked calmly at Joan. "No. Mr. Graham isn't her type." (She thinks everyone likes Sean.)

Joan was unconvinced, her gaze turning icy. (She thought she could be more open since she was alone.) She adopted a scornful expression. "So, you want more? Fine. How about seventy-five thousand dollars?" She paused. "If you refuse to talk, I have my own ways of finding the answer, but it might or might not affect you."

With Sean's support, she could bully anyone, especially a lowly assistant like Abigail.

Frustration and irritation welled up in Abigail's heart. "It's not about the money, Miss Palmer. I can't fabricate a story about something that didn't happen."

"Something that didn't happen? Do as I say, and I'll have Sean assign you to a designer at a better studio, even if Luna fires you. You don't want to be her assistant forever, do you?"

Joan scoffed.

Abigail raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with that? I mean, someone's willing to pay me seventy-five thousand dollars." She preferred refusing the money to colluding with this woman. Clearly, Joan was willing to pay that much simply to gain information about Luna.

Humiliated, Joan shoved Abigail. "Trying to annoy me, are you?"

Abigail stumbled, then regained her balance. Furious, she glared at Joan but remained silent. (She needed that diamond.)

Just as she was about to take Joan's measurements, Joan took two steps back, contempt evident in her eyes. "Did you even wash your hands? Is that tape clean? Buy a new one. I don't want to catch any diseases."

Abigail felt like slapping Joan. (She thought: You're just an influencer, not a real model. If they hadn't been assigned as teammates, Abigail wouldn't have given her a second glance, let alone designed her clothes. She acted like a lady but wasn't one.)

"Where am I supposed to get a new tape? We're at a resort. I'll tell the production team you can't participate today. You can join once I get a new tape. Deal?" she snapped, her politeness gone.

Joan also raised her arms. "I'm telling Luna about this. You have a bad attitude and are unprofessional. I can get rid of you if I want, you understand that?"

Of course, Abigail knew. Sean could give her that power. She sighed silently and smiled. "I understand, but can we work before that? Besides the live show camera, there's also a camera recording behind-the-scenes footage." She pointed to the camera behind Joan.

Joan shivered.

Abigail said, "I turned it off when I came in." She didn't want Joan to overreact. If Sean sided with Joan, the staff would bear the brunt of the consequences.

Ignoring Joan's contorted face, Abigail went to the bathroom, returning with a clean tape measure. "May we begin now, Miss Palmer?"

Joan snapped, "Make me a cup of coffee. I can't work without it."

Abigail forced a practiced smile and complied without complaint, her actions suggesting she'd done this many times before.

Joan froze, then a contemptuous smile played on her lips.

"You seem used to this. You've probably been doing menial jobs for years."

Abigail had indeed learned many things at the Graham Residence to please Sean.

This revised version improves grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for clarity and flow. It also addresses some inconsistencies in the original text. The parenthetical notes are kept to indicate the author's thoughts.