Chapter 73
Yvonne cried pitifully, feigning innocence and grievance before the media. Reporters, with their sharp instincts, immediately grasped the subtext of Yvonne's words. They raised their microphones and asked pointedly:
“Zoey’s styling studio? If I’m not mistaken, Zoey is Daphne’s sister, right? Could that be why Zoey intentionally sabotaged your look?”
A flicker of surprise crossed Yvonne’s face, as though she hadn’t expected anyone to mention Daphne. She quickly waved her hands, denying the accusation.
“Please don’t make baseless assumptions. This must have been a mistake on Zoey’s part. Even though she clearly doesn’t like me, this has nothing to do with Daphne. Daphne is such a wonderful person. There’s no way she would instruct Zoey to do something like this.”
What a venomous defense! On the surface, it seemed Yvonne was clearing Daphne’s name, but in reality, she was subtly directing suspicion toward her.
Zoey was genuinely panicked. As a stylist, she lacked the mental resilience of a celebrity and couldn’t handle the online abuse. Daphne reassured her, promising to handle it.
But by the next day, the situation had spiraled beyond Zoey’s expectations.
“Daphne, the contracts I signed with several talent agencies have been canceled. The fans of those artists are demanding they cut ties with me, calling me unethical and unprofessional. My career is about to be destroyed,” Zoey sobbed. “And my studio! Yvonne’s fans have splattered red paint all over the door and are protesting outside. They’re demanding an explanation. I borrowed that gown for her, but she refused to wear it. What explanation can I possibly give?”
Zoey cried uncontrollably.
Amid the insults directed at Zoey, a single voice stood out: Yvette, the actress whose styling session had been interrupted when Yvonne demanded Zoey’s attention. Despite the difficulties Zoey faced, she had made time to finalize Yvette’s styling. Yvette was deeply grateful for her professionalism.
Yvette, a fellow newcomer, was prettier, more likable, and kinder than Yvonne, but lacked Yvonne's backing and was often overshadowed and bullied by her. As the storm raged against Zoey, Yvette ignored the prevailing sentiment and posted a heartfelt message on her personal account, tagging Zoey’s studio and praising the team’s work and dedication.
When Daphne saw Yvette’s post, she felt deep admiration for the young woman. Acts of kindness in adversity were memorable, especially a newcomer's courage to stand up to someone like Yvonne.
As Zoey’s complaints continued, Daphne’s frown deepened. It was time to stop being nice to Yvonne; otherwise, Yvonne might think Daphne was an easy target.
What Daphne didn’t tell Zoey was that one of her own endorsement deals—a partnership with a major household goods brand—was also being impacted. Rumors about Daphne becoming the spokesperson had already circulated. Yvonne’s fans flooded the brand’s social media accounts, demanding Daphne be dropped.
Daphne was familiar with Yvonne’s fanbase's tactics. She quickly pieced together the events and realized Yvonne had planned everything from the moment she insisted Zoey personally handle her styling. Yvonne’s goal wasn’t simply securing Wilson’s affection or turning him against Daphne; by repeatedly targeting those around Daphne, Yvonne aimed to force Daphne out of the entertainment industry entirely.