Chapter 751:
Edna cut her off sharply. “If it comes to that, I’ll speak with Rylie myself. I know she has bad conduct, but her medical expertise is unmatched. If she stumbles in the competition, you can ensure Laurel keeps it out of the spotlight and shields Rylie from any backlash.”
Celia’s jaw tightened, her words spilling out with frustration. “Why can’t a woman lead the family? Lenny knows so little about leadership. Isn’t that unjust? How am I supposed to live with this so-called ‘fairness’ forever?”
Edna’s face remained composed despite her daughter’s fervor. “Your path will likely involve an arranged marriage. Your role isn’t to lead but to support Lenny in guiding the family.”
“I’m far more capable than he is!” Celia retorted. “I secured the Elegance collaboration. I expanded our family’s reach into international markets we hadn’t touched in years. Doesn’t that prove my worth? Since when does gender matter so much?”
Before Edna could reply, her husband descended the staircase, his presence commanding. “Your confidence is admirable, Celia, but I care only about results. If your claims hold true and the Elegance partnership has indeed broken into the international market, I’ll seriously consider naming you the family leader.”
Edna turned to him, startled. “What?”
Thaddeus raised a hand to quell her concern, his gaze fixed on Celia. “The leader must be flawless in critical matters. This is your test.”
Celia’s fists clenched, her voice resolute. “Rest assured, Dad. I will prove I am capable enough. And Lenny will always be my brother. I’ll ensure he has everything he needs and do whatever it takes to see him healed.”
Word of Elegance’s opening show had already reached a handful of stars. Hoping to grab attention and headlines, many slipped emails into the brand’s inbox, eager for a chance to collaborate.
Laurel spent hours combing through the flood of messages before settling on Fiona. Though she was older, Fiona’s beauty and figure still turned heads, and her record remained spotless. She had a loyal fan base that stretched wide.
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When Fiona saw Laurel’s reply, joy broke over her, leaving her close to tears. She had once believed that after Ainsley’s downfall, her own career would shine again. Instead, offers dried up, and projects were pulled without warning. Elegance’s invitation felt like a rope tossed to her while she was sinking.
Two days after Laurel sent Fiona the invitation and contract, a strange call arrived. The number was blocked, the voice on the other end familiar.
By the time the line went dead, Laurel sat frozen in shock.
Ainsley had brought ruin upon herself. She posted selfies online with vague, passive-aggressive comments aimed at Rylie, which quickly backfired. The backlash was relentless, with netizens inundating her with criticism. Evergreen Media Works severed ties immediately, and her career collapsed overnight. She had been gone ever since.
Yet the news Laurel unearthed about her now painted a startlingly different picture.
The bubbly girl the industry once knew had vanished. In her place stood a woman of quiet grace, pouring her time into community service in far-off towns.
These efforts erased her past mistakes in the eyes of many.
Somehow, even the ugliest scandals faded under an unseen hand.
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