Chapter 95
Veronica couldn’t detach herself from what was lippening.
Once Jocelyn changed into her red carpet gown, Veronica kept a close eye on her, watching her every expression.
Jocelyn lifted the hem of her dress and said lightly, “Don’t stress, Veronica. What’s meant to come will come. This industry is full of bandwagoners. Once you fall, everyone wants to step on you.”
She said it with ease, as if it didn’t matter at all. But only the person living it knew how bitter it really was.
What Veronica couldn’t understand was why someone like Jocelyn, who was strong, independent, and a wildly successful actress, would still be tangled up with a man like Archie. When Jocelyn had been in trouble, her so–called boyfriend hadn’t spoken a single word in her defense. He even used the opportunity to throw her under the bus.
Veronica didn’t believe for a second that Jocelyn hadn’t noticed this.
And yet, her attitude toward Archie remained strangely humble. It was the exact kind of ” hopelessly in love” image the public had painted of her.
However, it was the 21st century. There were more ways to repay kindness than giving your entire self to someone.
“Jocelyn, do you really love Archie?” Veronica asked.
A flicker of amusement flashed through Jocelyn’s eyes. “Why bring him up? I was just getting by.”
Veronica didn’t continue speaking. Nevertheless, she held Jocelyn’s gaze, clearly still probing.
Jocelyn’s smile widened as she finally admitted, “Fine. Maybe I do feel something for him. He’s the Lane family’s heir, after all. In this industry, having him around at least keeps the predators at bay.”
That was a perfectly reasonable answer that was rooted in survival.
Veronica half believed her, but still felt that there was more to it. Still, if Jocelyn didn’t want to say, she wouldn’t pry.
Harry had decided that the studio would hold off on making any public statement, despite the mounting pressure.
The red carpet event had already begun.
Eleanor, as that night’s undisputed queen of attention, had her originally scheduled five-
minute red carpet appearance stretched over 20 minutes.
Her red–carpet look featured a crimson, strapless gown, sponsored by a major brand.
Her hair was styled in an elegant princess updo, and her makeup, as always, was delicately understated. She donned her signature fresh–faced and refined style. The entire look leaned heavily on styling to hold it together.
It was flawless on paper, yet it left many quietly disappointed.
When the host asked why she wasn’t wearing the diamond gown, Eleanor blushed and replied, “The best is meant to be saved for last.”
The host played along and remarked, “It sounds like Eleanor has a surprise in store for us at tonight’s award show. We’re definitely looking forward to it!“.
“She’s stunning! I can’t stop staring!”
“Jocelyn’s next! I want to see how she compares to our queen!”
The giant red carpet screen displayed live advertisements and the order of arrivals of the guests. Jocelyn’s name had just appeared.
Everyone watched her entrance like tigers eyeing their prey.
Even Eleanor lingered longer than necessary, drawing out her segment by entertaining light gossip from the host, secretly hoping for a front–row seat to Jocelyn’s humiliation. She wanted that woman to see where she stood in the industry.
Eleanor believed that Jocelyn had no right to touch anything of hers, even those that she
didn’t want.
Minutes ticked by, and the red carpet remained empty for three whole minutes. Nevertheless, no one appeared.
“What’s going on? Did Jocelyn chicken out and decide not to show up?”
“Someone just saw her team frantically making calls backstage. They’re probably begging people for help.”
“Was she actually planning to wear the dress Mr. Baker designed for Eleanor? That’s beyond embarrassing!”
The press staff and attendees buzzed with speculation.
Theodore stood among them, his lips curling coldly. He thought that Jocelyn was utterly pathetic. He had actually hoped that her walking the carpet in that dress might help bring more attention to Windswept Atelier.
But that woman didn’t even have the guts to show up. Theodore thought that it was such a letdown.
