Chapter 22

Chantipher escorted Cynthia to the venue entrance, where he paused, and playfully said, "Take some good photos of me from the front now, okay? Thanks!"

"I'll break a leg!" he added faintly.

As she entered, Cynthia clenched her teeth, jealousy burning within her. Had Christopher just been on the phone with Melody? Not only did he call her again, but he also asked her to contact him first. This growing jealousy spurred Cynthia to act quickly.

In the ward, Melody frowned, dismissing Christopher's parting words. She checked her finance application and saw a money transfer from Christopher: $6,000, with a note—"surgery fee." She immediately returned the money. Otherwise, wouldn't he demand it back later?

In the front row of the venue, Christopher saw Melody reject his transfer. Irritated, he messaged her.

Melody replied, "I'm not having surgery, so I don't need it."

He wrote, "What about the hospital fees?"

Melody stared at the message before responding, "It's a small amount. I can handle it myself." Then, she switched off her phone and tossed it aside.

Christopher sent two more messages. The first asked how much she considered "a small amount," and the second was another transfer, urging her to accept it. However, he received no reply.

The fashion show had begun. Watching the models, he rechecked his phone, confirming Melody's silence. Frustrated, he shoved the phone back into his pocket. Melody was becoming increasingly ungrateful. He'd already made two attempts at reconciliation; a third time, and he might as well walk into traffic.

His gaze drifted to the runway. Seemingly focused, his leg crossed, his mind was consumed by anger.

Cynthia's turn came midway through the show. As she stepped onto the runway, her eyes immediately found Christopher in the front row. She thought he was watching her, but realized he was lost in thought. Gritting her teeth, she returned backstage and secretly texted him. When Christopher's phone buzzed, he quickly checked it, seeing Cynthia's message reminding him to take photos and mentioning he'd missed her earlier appearance. He sent a quick "sorry" and refocused on the runway, retrieving his camera.

When she reappeared, he gave her a small smile, their eyes meeting briefly as he photographed her. However, as she turned, her heel caught on her gown, causing a dramatic fall.

Gasps filled the venue. Christopher immediately sprang up, striding onto the runway to lift her into his arms. He carried her backstage without hesitation.

The incident caused a media frenzy, with cameras flashing and reporters scrambling. Within minutes, the photos were online.

Arthur Wood, furious at the model's fall, stormed backstage to reprimand Cynthia. Other models whispered nearby. Some speculated the man carrying Cynthia was her fiancé; others quickly identified him as the heir to the Fuller family in Jardver.

The name alone quelled Arthur's anger. Instead of scolding Cynthia, his demeanor softened, his tone becoming fawning as he addressed Christopher. Other models watched enviously. Wealth, looks, and power—Christopher possessed it all. Cynthia seemed destined to marry into such a family. She sat, profusely apologizing to Arthur for disrupting the show.

Arthur glanced at her gown. Its hem was wide enough to avoid being easily stepped on. But seeing Christopher crouched beside her, gently massaging her ankle, he understood.

In this industry, dramatic falls were common for grabbing attention. She wasn't the first to attempt this tactic.

"It's fine, Ms. York, I'm just glad you're not hurt. Please take care of yourself," Arthur said warmly, his expression genuinely concerned. Turning to Christopher, he added, "Mr. Fuller, why don't you take Ms. York home? I'll arrange for a replacement."