Chapter 170: The Fashion Show

Hannah fell silent, pondering Rose's words. Rose remained quiet as well; Mann's presence in the car had prevented her from speaking earlier, but she needed to tell Hannah in case her arrangement with Celina fell through. The situation felt awkward.

"Well," Hannah said abruptly.

Rose stared, unsure what this meant. Were they still planning to speak with Celina? Too apprehensive to ask, she texted Hannah on Saturday, inquiring if she wanted to choose gowns together. Hannah replied with a location. Rose knew it: Hannah wasn't one to give up.

Rose hurried to Celina's couture shop, finding Hannah already selecting gowns. To her surprise, Janet was also present. The shop assistant, responsible for the gowns, introduced them, but appeared to favor Janet. Rose approached Hannah quietly, overhearing the assistant's compliment: "Miss Burke, our design director, Mr. James, said you can choose any couture dress. We look forward to seeing you tonight."

Janet smirked, glancing at Hannah with superiority. "Does he have a recommendation?"

"Certainly," the assistant replied. "These two are tonight's staples; our models will wear them. Mr. James said they suit you."

Janet selected a gold gown with a long train. The assistant summoned help to take it to the dressing room. Hannah continued choosing gowns, overhearing the exchange. So Janet would be on stage? It made sense; as Celina's lead model, a return to the runway after two years would be a significant promotional coup.

Hannah lifted her face, asking, "Where's this season's gown?"

"Sorry, Ms. Wells," the assistant replied awkwardly. "The 'Crane' gown is a limited edition; we can't sell it before its launch."

Hannah didn't press the issue. Turning to Rose, she said, "Pick one you like. I need to make a call."

Rose politely agreed. Hannah left, then returned shortly. Rose had chosen a simple black evening gown; as a secretary attending banquets and parties frequently, she knew a low-key style was best.

Meanwhile, Janet emerged from the dressing room in the gold gown, stunning in the light. Admittedly, her 5'7" frame and natural grace were perfect for the runway. She admired herself, then gave Hannah a provocative glance. Hannah ignored her, directing Rose to try on her dress.

Janet's sardonic grin followed Rose into the dressing room. Hannah, undeniably gorgeous, could outshine any woman, but Janet intended to be the sole focus tonight.

The clerk gushed, "Miss Burke, you're breathtaking! The gown fits perfectly!"

Janet smiled. "Tell James I'll take it."

"Certainly," the worker asked. "Makeup here?"

"No, I'm rehearsing. James will handle my makeup," Janet replied pointedly, subtly reminding Hannah of their history. Hannah remained unfazed.

Janet, elegant in the gold gown, paused beside Hannah. "Forget Celina. This isn't going to work," she said before walking away.

Hannah sneered. "We'll see."

As Janet left, the manager approached Hannah respectfully. "Ms. Wells, we have an order from headquarters. We'll show you the 'Crane' gowns."

The clerks watched in surprise as they led Hannah to the designated area. Celina had never allowed anyone to wear the 'Crane' gowns pre-launch.

At 7:00 p.m., Hannah and Rose arrived at the fashion show. The runway was impressive, flanked by rows of chairs. Hannah was escorted to her seat, a prime location befitting her connections. She recognized Oscar, Theodore, Susan, Henry, Charles, and Martina among the guests seated on the runway's left side. Oscar's presence, however, was unexpected, especially considering his injured leg, which he'd not mentioned earlier.

Hannah took her seat without speaking to Oscar, unconcerned.

Suddenly, Susan's voice cut through the silence. "Are you two the type of couple who goes out separately?"

Hannah was speechless, inwardly fuming at Susan's remark.