Chapter 91
Verónica wiped the tears from the corner of Jocelyn’s eyes and said, “Don’t cry.”
“Okay. Crying makes me ugly,” Jocelyn said, laughing as she lifted her tear–streaked face.
Veronica chuckled softly. “That’s not true. Those tears just make you look heartbreakingly beautiful.”
Her answer was unexpected, but it made perfect sense somehow.
Jocelyn’s tears stopped just like that, and her smile shone like the early spring sun, radiant and bright.
That afternoon, the evening gown for the event arrived.
Jocelyn tried it on, and it fit perfectly.
Everyone was now waiting for the awards ceremony the next day.
Meanwhile, online buzz about Theodore designing a gown for Eleanor using 520 diamonds dominated the trending topics. She hadn’t even made an appearance yet, but all eyes were already on her.
In the past year, Eleanor had only shot two films. One was as a supporting actress, and the other hadn’t even been released yet.
She had won the title of “Best Actress” years ago, and this nomination was mainly a courtesy extended by the organizers.
Out of curiosity, Veronica checked out the design Theodore had released. His comeback this time was clearly tied to Eleanor’s return.
The dress was beautiful and extravagant, and each diamond sparkled intensely. It was apparent how much effort and craftsmanship had gone into the piece.
Theodore emphasized that it was an exclusive, original piece explicitly designed for Eleanor.
But for some reason, Veronica thought that it looked strangely familiar. She was sure that she had seen something like this before, and not recently, either.
Still, Eleanor’s gown made a bold debut. It held the top spot on the trending topics for two full days. It was all until the day of the Arclight Awards.
To drum up hype and views, the organizers launched a livestream of the event. Fans and viewers had gathered early in the live chat room.
The crowd on–site was bigger than ever before. It even outnumbered the guests invited to the
ceremony.
The awards show was held at the grand auditorium in the city center. Outside, traffic came to a standstill as the streets were packed with people
Veronica was riding with Jocelyn in her celebrity van, planning to accompany her to the venue.
But ahead of them, a white sedan remained completely unmoved, even after the crowd had been cleared. It blocked the only road forward.
Jocelyn’s red carpet appearance wasn’t scheduled for the finale, so she still needed to head backstage early to touch up her makeup and have her gown steamed.
Harry sent someone to negotiate with the obstructing driver, but even after pounding on the window, no one inside budged.
If Jocelyn got out of the car and walked in that gown, it would take at least half an hour for her to reach her destination. It was utterly impractical.
But if they stayed stuck here, they’d miss the entrance window, and the organizers would
consider it a forfeit.
“Stay in the van, Jocelyn. Don’t get out,” Veronica instructed before throwing on a protective cover–up and stepping out. She headed straight for the white sedan.
Inside the white car, Bruce was on the phone with Archie. “Don’t worry, Mr. Lane. I’ve got them blocked, bumper to bumper. There’s no way they’re getting through tonight.”
“Good. Well done! If this works out, I’ll reward you handsomely!”
In another celebrity van, Archie hung up the phone with satisfaction.
Theodore, unimpressed, said, “Archie, don’t be so childish. This kind of petty tactic might work on your girlfriend, but that’s about it.”
Archie snapped, “Theodore, would it kill you to shut up for once? At least I’m doing something. What’s that useless dress of yours supposed to accomplish?”
“Useless? Archie, if you can’t say anything smart, then shut that damn mouth of yours. Do you really think this is enough to keep them in check? You can run, but you can’t hide. All you’re doing is slapping a band–aid on a bullet wound.”
“Oh, please. Do you have any ideas? What are you going to do? Draw a circle and curse them? Do you think making a blog splash on the trending page means Eleanor gives a damn? Quit wasting your energy!”
Just as the two were about to break into a full–blown shouting match, Eleanor’s face turned dark. She barked, “Enough! Stop fighting already!”
Both men turned around simultaneously, only to meet Eleanor’s beautiful red–rimmed eyes.
