LOGINShe stared toward the dressing room, and a look of dangerous cruelty spread across her face. She did not even notice that Jeff was standing right behind her and had seen everything that happened. Jeff walked up beside her. He was usually friendly to everyone, even people he did not particularly like, but this time he looked completely serious. All the playfulness had vanished from his expression.“Miss Santiago,” he said firmly, “if I were you, I would not do things that Mr. Stone dislikes. You do not know him very well, and you certainly do not realize what he is capable of. The only woman in his eyes is Miss Kathalina and that will never change. To him, all other women are nothing but a nuisance, nothing more. So you had better behave yourself. That is my advice to you.”After saying those words, Jeff turned and quickly followed Thirdie toward the dressing room.Agnes remained frozen where she stood, staring at Jeff's retreating figure. His warning echoed in her mind, making her ch
Hearing those insulting words speaking ill of Thirdie, twisting their relationship, and treating her as nothing more than a temporary toy was more than Kathalina could endure. Her face burned with anger and disgust.“Mr. Rome, it sounds far more like you are the one who treats women as disposable toys to be used and cast aside whenever you please,” she shot back sharply, her tone cold and cutting. “But my husband is nothing like that. And even if he were, that would be our private matter, certainly not something for others to meddle in or judge. That is enough! I have heard all I want to hear from you!”She snapped the words out clearly, then turned at once, ready to walk toward the exit and call security to have him removed from the restricted area immediately.But before she could take two steps, Jade lunged forward. He seized her wrist in a tight, painful grip, spun her around roughly, and shoved her back hard against the wall, trapping her there with his body.“Let go of me! Get y
Jade’s smile faltered slightly, surprised by her sharp rejection, but he quickly recovered, stepping closer again, his eyes gleaming with annoyance and stubbornness.“Come now, Kathalina… why so cold? You’re a successful woman now, a famous designer. You need powerful friends like us. Agnes might have her ways, but we are influential people. We can help you go even higher, you know. We can open doors for you that others can’t. Why act so proud? You were nothing once, just like the rest of us…..”“I was never nothing,” Kathalina interrupted fiercely, her voice rising slightly, her eyes blazing with anger. “And I certainly do not need help and friendship from people like you. Everything I have, I built with my own two hands, through hard work, suffering, and honesty. I do not need people who lie, cheat, and hurt others to succeed. I know exactly the kind of person you are, Jade Rome, and I want you to understand this clearly. I despise everything you stand for. I despise the way you tre
Hana’s hands trembled slightly as she typed her own number in, her heart still racing with happiness and disbelief. “I… I have yours saved now, Miss Kathalina. Thank you, thank you so much.”Kathalina smiled and nodded. “I will be heading back to Manila tomorrow morning, but as soon as I settle in and arrange everything at the office, I will call you immediately. We will set the date for your contract signing and go over your schedule, both as my assistant and as our exclusive model.”Hana nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement.“Yes, Miss! Actually, I’ll be coming back tomorrow morning as well. I have to return with the other models including Miss Xyla. We belong to the same agency, so we’re traveling together this time. She’s such a nice girl and really easy to approach. Even though she’s an international model, she’s so down to earth.”Hana admired Xyla deeply. Even though they were part of the same agency, Xyla was famous worldwide, a top A-lister in the industry. She w
“What kind of work can I actually do for you? I don’t know anything about fashion design. All I really know how to do is wear clothes and walk down a runway. I’m afraid I might not be capable enough, and I don’t want to disappoint you or let you down.”Kathalina smiled gently and shook her head. “That is perfectly all right. Everyone starts somewhere, and no one is born knowing how to do everything. You learn as you go.”She leaned forward slightly, her expression open and encouraging.“Tell me something… What other skills or talents do you have? And what is your educational background? Don’t be afraid to be honest; I won’t judge you. I only want to understand you better.”At this, Hana’s face fell completely, sadness washing over her features. She looked away, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I… I only finished high school. I grew up in an orphanage. I never knew my parents. When I graduated, I went to the nuns and told them I wouldn’t go on to college. I asked them to use the limi
Hana hesitated, unsure if she should open up and share the heavy burdens of her life with Kathalina. Even though there was such a vast difference in their social standing and circumstances, she felt surprisingly at ease and comfortable in her presence. There was a gentle warmth and quiet reassurance in Kathalina’s manner that felt rare and genuine, making Hana feel safe enough to set aside her usual reserve and speak from the heart. “To be honest…” she began softly, her voice trembling slightly with hesitation and vulnerability, “my manager told me earlier that they will only call me if there is new work available.” She lowered her gaze, staring at the floor as a shadow of sadness crossed her face. “But I have no idea when that will be. It could be next week, or next month… or perhaps it might never come at all.”She knew all too well how harsh and competitive the modeling industry was. There were countless beautiful girls all striving for the same limited opportunities, and she had
Ten minutes before the board meeting was set to begin, Attorney Jun and Kathalina entered the sleek lobby of Stone Company. The receptionist immediately rose from her seat, politely blocking their path.“Excuse me, ma’am, sir. May I see your appointment details?” she asked, her tone professional.A
When the meeting adjourned, the board members stood, gathering their folders and exchanging polite farewells. Kathalina rose gracefully, tucking her papers neatly into her bag. Thirdie stood at the same time.Fate or perhaps cruel design pulled them toward the same direction.Thirdie’s voice cut th
“Kathalina,” she said quietly, stepping forward. “I didn’t expect… I’m glad you’re here.”Kathalina smiled warmly and hugged her. “I’m finally here, Nana Maring. I’ve always wanted to see this place… and I missed you.”Nana Maring nodded, her expression calm but pleased.“It’s good to have you,” Na
The office was silent except for the steady sound of typing and the soft hum of the air conditioner. The city outside was already wrapped in night, but Thirdie hadn’t noticed. He hadn’t eaten since noon, and his eyes were still fixed on the screen.Jeff stood near his desk, arms crossed, watching w







