Chapter 81: Manage Yourself

Cameron's words served as a warning to the production team, urging them to avoid underhanded activities. Silence fell after he left.

Abigail, maintaining her cold demeanor, held up a garment and asked Joan, "Are these the correct measurements?"

Joan gazed stoically at Abigail, her eyes revealing an unreadable emotion. "You're really not affected, huh?"

She noticed Abigail's lack of fear toward Sean. While others walked on eggshells around him, Abigail remained unaffected.

Abigail looked at her indifferently. "I didn't lie, so why should it affect me?"

Offended, Nina huffed and left, intentionally bumping into Abigail on her way out.

The impact sent Abigail staggering back two steps. A sharp pain shot through her injured ankle, causing her to subconsciously furrow her brows.

No one, including Abigail, noticed this incident.

Victor's designer, Damian Light, sneered. "You've offended Mr. Graham. Don't even think of throwing me under the bus!"

Ignoring her ankle pain, Abigail glanced at Victor. His worried face concerned her.

Joan became more restrained, and Abigail successfully completed the measurements. Before leaving, Abigail looked at the thoughtful Victor. "You don't need to stand up for a lowly assistant like me."

Victor whispered, "It's necessary. We're here to participate in the program, not endure mistreatment. Besides, you're representing Alana."

She was momentarily taken aback. Without Sean's protection of Joan, she would have endured similar treatment. As she left, she added, "This is typical workplace behavior. If Mr. Graham expels you, you'll regret it."

Joan sarcastically waved her fan. "You two are sympathizing now, huh? It's a shame you're not on the same team. It would have been a spectacle."

Abigail ignored her and left.

In Luna's room, Abigail examined her ankle. Sean had treated it yesterday, so she could walk. However, Nina's collision had worsened the pain.

A concerned Luna approached. "What happened to your leg?"

"Someone bumped into me. It hurts, but it's not serious. Let's work," Abigail replied nonchalantly.

Luna put a hand on her shoulder. "Who did it? Do they think we're easy targets? I'll give them a piece of my mind!"

"No need. I need to start on the clothing. You stay with me to answer questions from the production team," Abigail said, focused on her work.

Luna was frustrated. "But you are Alana…"

"Why does that matter?" Abigail replied calmly. Even as Alana, she wasn't significant to Sean. If Joan wanted trouble, she'd still cause it.

Luna leaned closer. "Tell me, who was it?"

Abigail ignored the question and changed the subject. "Speaking of which, I'm observing roses in the moonlight tonight."

"The embroidery on your dress? Joan doesn't deserve your dedication." Luna rolled her eyes and dropped the subject.

Abigail placed the pattern on the cutting table. "I'm dedicated to the design, not the people wearing them."

Later, after showering, she went to the garden to take photos.

"What are you doing?"

As she photographed roses, Sean's voice startled her. She turned to see him in the dim light.

"I'm collecting material for Miss Smith." She was surprised to see him.

He raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite invested in her designs."

She put away her camera. "Are you still inspecting work this late?"

She'd finished and planned to leave, but Sean's presence prevented her. She wasn't sure she understood his implication.

"Besides you, who else would be working now?" Sean approached. "You seem quite protective of Victor."

Abigail's gaze turned cold. "Victor only made one comment, and you wanted him expelled for protecting Joan. That's unreasonable."

"Are you defending him?" Sean's lips curled coldly.

This revised version improves grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for clarity and flow. It also removes the asterisks from the potentially offensive words, replacing them with clearer alternatives.