Chapter 957: Fashion Show
At five o'clock, Oscar arrived in the courtyard and immediately went to his room to change into a haute couture suit Karami had sent. Even at thirty, he was strikingly handsome, seeming to embody the saying, "Don't fear an older man's flirtations; fear a man in his thirties." Susan found him even more charming than before.
"Ahem," Manuel coughed softly beside her, jolting Susan from her reverie. Had she been too engrossed in admiring Oscar? This habit, she mused, was unlikely to change.
"The event starts at six, right?" Oscar asked Theodore.
"Yes," Theodore nodded. "We have half an hour."
"Is everything arranged?"
"Everything is ready."
"Let's go then," Oscar stated, and Theodore followed. Susan and Manuel walked together.
"Oscar," Susan called.
Oscar turned. They rarely spoke these days; in fact, he spoke little to anyone, getting straight to the point, eschewing unnecessary words.
"I'll bring Sal and Una," Susan said.
Oscar nodded, neither accepting nor refusing. Perhaps his personality had shifted since Hannah's passing. He left with Theodore, leaving a thoughtful Susan behind.
"Manuel," she sighed, "why do I feel Oscar is so weary?"
Manuel followed her gaze, knowing better than anyone that Oscar wasn't tired of life; he was numb, burdened by responsibilities for others. Without those burdens, he might have vanished four years ago.
At six, Karami's press conference began. Backstage buzzed with controlled chaos. In one high-end dressing room, Little Bunny prepared for her modeling debut, accompanied by her enthusiastic agent.
"With you as Karami's Northfield spokesperson, Little Bunny, your opportunities will explode!"
"Little Bunny, don't cause trouble! With recent industry incidents, be disciplined," her agent cautioned.
"Okay." Little Bunny was known for her good nature and clean reputation. Paparazzi had tried to find dirt on her, unsuccessfully. Years in film and variety shows had yielded no scandals. "Dedicated" was the word that best described her.
"You're the only artist who makes my job easy. That's why I gave you this endorsement," her agent said with satisfaction.
Little Bunny smiled, glancing at the mirror's reflection of the door.
"Linda, did you hear Karami's top designers are here? Is it true?"
"We heard rumors, but I checked and didn't see them," replied Linda, equally eager to meet the renowned designers.
Little Bunny was disappointed; she adored Karami's designs and longed to meet the designer who, rumor had it, so deeply understood women.
"Miss, it's ready," the makeup artist announced.
"Woah!" Linda exclaimed. "You look stunning!"
Little Bunny smiled; such effusive praise was common in showbiz.
"Little Bunny, want to adjust your nose? Higher would be more sophisticated," Linda suggested, scrutinizing her face.
Little Bunny laughed, declining. "Facial adjustments might hinder my acting. We aim for Best Actress, not just popularity. You have plenty of popular artists."
"Makes sense!" Linda agreed. "Your looks are sufficient; makeup handles minor flaws. Acting is paramount."
Little Bunny smiled, relieved by her years of prioritizing strength. Otherwise, her face might have been compromised countless times.
A knock came. Linda opened the door.
"Miss Little Bunny is on in ten minutes, as the first model. Please have her ready. After the show, Karami invites her to their banquet—about an hour later," the staff member said.
"Okay, thank you." Linda accepted the schedule and invitation, turning to Little Bunny, "Get ready."
They walked towards the stage. Little Bunny stopped abruptly.
"What's wrong?" Linda frowned.
Little Bunny glanced back, spotting a familiar figure.
"Do you know him?" Linda asked.
"No," Little Bunny said, turning. "I must have been mistaken."
Susan had broken the news of Hannah's death. Without Susan, Little Bunny wouldn't have believed it; there were no rumors, and it felt too sudden.
Little Bunny reached the waiting area before heading onstage. The show began with the host's preamble. Oscar and Theodore sat center front; Susan, Manuel, Sal, and Una were seated further back.
After brief opening remarks, the lights dimmed. A single spotlight illuminated a woman in a white, diamond-studded gown, her skirt shimmering. She looked angelic. The first outfit stunned everyone.
"She's amazing," Theodore murmured, captivated by the model's figure, flawless skin, and graceful movements. He glanced at Oscar, noticing something unusual in his gaze.