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    “Look! Jocelyn’s here!” someone shouted.


    At the end of the red carpet, Jocelyn appeared in a vibrant red gown, gliding forward with <b>each </b>elegant step. Large peony blossoms bloomed along the hem, and she moved with such grace and presence.


    Her bold, sculpted features -a blend of striking mixed heritage–weren’t overshadowed by the dress in the slightest.


    The blush along her cheeks added ayer of poise and refinement, giving her the air of a dignified, exotic beauty.


    Everyone went silent, as if time itself had stopped.


    Everyone had the same thought–she was absolutely stunning.


    “I take it back. After looking at Jocelyn’s face, I can’t bring myself to say a single bad word. She’s just too stunning.”


    “Is that one of Mr. Baker’s designs? It’s gorgeous!”


    Theodore, who was just about to leave, froze mid–step in the audience section. The confident smile on his face vanished the moment he saw what Jocelyn was wearing. He couldn’t believe


    it!


    “Jocelyn! You made it!” The host abandoned Eleanor without a second thought, rushing forward to greet Jocelyn, visibly excited.


    He could already tell that Jocelyn was going to be the breakout star of the night.


    Eleanor’s smile nearly cracked.


    Theodore knew that she was wearing red that night, and he still dared to give such a stunning dress to Jocelyn?


    shes from press cameras exploded as they captured shot after shot of Jocelyn while Eleanor seethed with jealousy on the inside.


    When Jocelyn reached the interview area, Eleanor forced apliment through gritted teeth.” Jocelyn, you look gorgeous tonight. We were all waiting for you.”


    Jocelyn tucked a curl behind her ear, every gestureced with elegance. Her voice held a quiet confidence, neither meek nor arrogant, as she said, “Thank you for your concern, Ms. Turner.


    “I just found out that Hunter, who was scheduled to arrive before me, had to leave early due to a scheduling conflict between the dyed red carpet entry and his flight time.


    “At the time<b>, </b>my dress hadn’t even finished being steamed yet, so I rushed to get here. I’m


    sorry to keep everyone waiting.”


    The moment her wordsnded, the entire venue fell into dead silence.


    Eleanor had just hogged the red carpet for nearly 30 minutes.


    Hunter Banks, a superstar, was not a nominee that night. However, he had been invited by the organizers just to greet fans and make a brief appearance.


    But now, thanks to Eleanor’s dy, he’d had to leave early.


    Hunter’s fans at the venue lost itpletely when they realized this.


    “Eleanor, you ugly hag! You’re old and washed up. How dare you still hog the camera! I came here for Hunter, not to see you!”


    That single outburst stirred a storm.


    Veronica looked in surprise at the diehard Hunter fan standing next to her.


    When she entered the venue, she noticed that the fan had alreadyid out a variety of support banners and merchandise. It was clear how much she had been looking forward to seeing him. The frustration over Eleanor’s dy turned into full–blown devastation.


    Fans of other celebrities instantly felt the same.


    Eleanor’s face turned pale. Then, she spotted Veronica standing next to the furious fan. Rage surged through her.


    She figured that this was all Veronica’s doing. She was behind all of this!


    Eleanor dug her nails into her palm.


    Security quickly escorted the shouting fan out.


    Meanwhile, Jocelyn turned toward the crowd and gave Veronica a yful wink. A rare smile. bloomed on her otherwise calm face.


    Photographers and the host reacted immediately following her gaze.


    ned with


    The cameranded on a woman in the audience, dressed in a modern, almond–colored silk blouse and matching skirt. Her makeup was light her presence soft, but her eyes { quiet intensity. It was impossible to look away from her.


    She was apletely different kind of beauty from Jocelyn’s, but was just as striking.


    Andpared to Eleanor, who had a somewhat simr aesthetic, this woman outshone her by a mile.


    “Why do I feel like this woman in the audience is even prettier than Jocelyn?”


    “Jeez, you don’t have to point that out. Is she a friend of Jocelyn’s, <b>or </b>something? It feels like


    they know each other.”


    “Enough nonsense! If you can’t see clearly, get your eyes checked. Eleanor didn’t stand out earlier because her clothes didn’t highlight her beauty. Just wait for tonight. If she doesn’t blow you away, I’ll eat my hat.”


    “Who says Jocelyn was even looking at her? Mr. Baker’s sitting right behind her! That smile was definitely for him.”


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