Sensing Marina’s reaction, Quentin took the opportunity to let his hand wander over her waist in a blatant display of possessiveness, all the while explaining, “At first glance, her theme doesn’t sound all that special. But she’s pairing fluorite with rubies for the design–and she’s already arranged things with the folks at LD. On the day of Fashion Week, when her model steps onto the runway, the stage crew will follow her cue and briefly cut the lights.”
“What?” Marina blinked, her lashes thick with mascara.
She was eager to hear more, but Quentin seemed in no hurry. Instead, he leered openly at her chest.
Marina was already disgusted by him.
But she forced herself to tolerate it, even tugging down her zipper to reveal a plunging neckline.
“Why would Niamh want a blackout in the middle of her show? Get to the point!”
Her coquettish tone worked: Quentin immediately buried his face in her cleavage.
Marina could hardly resist the urge to slap him across the face.
With his face still pressed against her chest, Quentin continued, “LD is hosting the show at the Solterra International Exhibition Center–you know the place. Niamh’s plan is to use the blackout to her advantage. Once the power’s off, the emergency UV lights will kick in, making the fluorite glow and the rubies shine even brighter. That way, her designs will steal the spotlight.”
“Ah, I see…” Marina bit her lower lip, realization dawning.
It was actually a pretty clever idea.
“Niamh really knows how to play the game, doesn’t she?”
“Yeah, I thought so too.” Quentin lifted his head, suddenly serious.
“That’s why I got you this.”
He rummaged through his briefcase and handed something to Marina.
“Perfume?” she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Quentin held out what looked like a perfume bottle, though it was unboxed and rather plain.
20:20
Chapter 260
“Don’t actually spray this like perfume,” he said, handing it over with exaggerated gravity. “It’s diluted hydrochloric acid.”
“What?” Marina’s eyes widened.
“When the crew cuts the lights at Niamh’s signal, you use this–spray her jewelry, especially the fluorite and rubies. The acid will corrode the stones, dulling their luster. By the time the UV lights come on, all anyone will see is a handful of lackluster, ordinary rocks. Niamh’s big moment will fall completely flat.”
As Quentin outlined his foolproof plan, Marina let out a sharp breath, thinking how lucky she was that Quentin was on her side and not working against her with Niamh.
“Well? Pretty resourceful, aren’t I?” Quentin tapped his lips expectantly.
Marina knew exactly what he wanted–a kiss. She could barely stomach it, so she planted a quick peck on his cheek.
Quentin grinned, unbothered.
And so, both Marina and Niamh prepared meticulously for Luminous Divas Fashion Week.
The day before the show, they both flew into Solterra.
Niamh took a regular commercial flight.
Marina arrived on Jonathan’s private jet.
Up–and–coming designers like Niamh and Marina had to cover all their own expenses for Luminous Divas Fashion Week. To save money, Niamh booked herself into an ordinary hotel. Marina, meanwhile, followed Jonathan to a seven–star hotel and settled into the presidential suite.
On the big day, Marina breezed through the VIP entrance, skipping security checks and easily smuggling in the acid disguised as perfume.
20:20
