Chapter 168: Gala (1)

[Edward POV]

The models were walking on the runway accompanied by catchy pop music. They posed at the centre of the stage before walking back behind the curtain for a costume change. 

Wearing a black, bob-cut wig, and thick glasses, I slow-clapped at the exhibition while looking condescendingly at those 'designers'. 

My seat was at the second row of the left side of the stage, and it was the best seat Pepper could get me too, considering my low reputation in the fashion industry. I wasn't mad, because there were a lot of celebrities sitting in the same row as me. 

I saw Emma Stone – the future Gwen Stacy, and also Andrew Garfield sitting together. I also saw Zendaya and Elizabeth Gillies, awkwardly sitting next to each other. 

There were dozens of celebrities in the hall, and my presence almost became obscure from it. Well, almost.

"Why are you being Edna Mode?" The 13 years old Anya-Taylor Joy whispered to me without making her seem impolite at the event.

I smirked and said, "Because she's awesome that's why."

She was in disbelief and said helplessly, "You're a bit weird."

I just met her at the event and by some stupid luck, we were sitting next to each other. So of course, I'm going to bother her. Friendly, but she was being a bit reserved. Therefore when she blurted out her true feelings like this, I was elated instead of disappointed.

I continued examining the dresses as the models walked by then, I sighed.

"Why are you so far away?"

Taylor and Pepper were sitting together, on the right side of the stage, just because Pepper was slow at recognizing left and right when he came into the hall. He went to pick up Taylor and let me sit first, but this became the result.

"I would have just waited for him to finish shitting if I knew." I said with a sigh as I waved at them from afar. Taylor gave me a giggle as she hiddenly waved back at me, and the jimmy jib camera flew across the right side to the left side at this time, startling her. 

"Versace Summer- Winter Collection, by Gavin Sinclair." The Emcee announced in a calm and polite manner as she presented the show.

"Oh. It's Haley's future boss… and Gloria's future murder victim…" I mumbled to myself as I looked at the bowing man standing in the middle of the stage before the models walked in. 

He was a tall, snobbish man with stylish glasses– Rayban brand that was also part of my glasses design collection, and he behaved very contemptuously against the other designers there– even though he had just ventured into the industry. That's what having rich parents allows you to do after all. 

Then, the runway had a short break where they interviewed the guests, which allowed me to rejoin the duo. 

"Ed!" Taylor smiled and hugged me. She gave me a tight squeeze, which made me a bit confused.

She was still smiling as she released me, and said, "I missed you!"

"I missed you too. By the way, are you okay? You look a little upset."

Taylor widened her eyes in shock while Pepper's eyes darted between us. "How?" He mumbled, wondering if what I guessed was true.

"I-I'm not upset." Taylor chuckled modestly while cupping her mouth and slapping my shoulder. Pepper scoffed suddenly, "I was excited for nothing. Ed, what do you think about the show?"

"Are you the part timer interviewer right now?"

"Wait- Hold on. Isn't the most important question to ask right now…what is this? What are you wearing?" Taylor pointed at my wig and glasses. I shook my wig excitedly, making them dance around, "I'm just emulating my idol…Edna Mode."

"Who?" Taylor was confused.

"It's from a movie." I replied with a sad smile. Then, she grabbed my hand and said, "Whatever~ You look, really weird!"

"But, still handsome right? Like, weirdly so?" I asked with a teasing smirk. Taylor grabbed her chin in contemplation before saying, "Yes. So take it off right now."

"Why?" 

"I don't want my taste to become twisted!" 

Pepper rolled his eyes from the flirting going on in front of him and said, "I'm going to go meet Longinus. Ah, Ed, do you want to do the interview?"

"Sure. I'd love to do it. I have… A LOT of comments about today's show."

Pepper was a bit taken aback, "Maybe…you shouldn't do it? I haven't had any real footing in this industry. I don't want to get in trouble on our company's first day in it.."

I rolled my eyes at him and said, "When did you become so cowardly? Where's the Pepper that continually snarked about Britney and complained about everyone's fashion sense? Cause I need that guy today. You said we don't have any footing, but honestly, that guy is the only one that can actually help us."

I grabbed Pepper's cheek and smushed his face, "Be..That GUY…He's our only hope."

"Yo…You're right. I'd lost my edge because I've been too busy managing a company." Pepper self-actualized for a while before his eyes shone a determined glint. "I'M THAT GUY!"

"YES!" 

I watched Pepper walk with a fiery stride and mingle with the designers and the guests, making snarky comments about their outfits and appearances– which made him the centre of attention and helped him create several new connections that were useful for our company. 

They might not love him, but they did respect him for the fact that he could speak the truth. That was an important part of the fashion industry, not just the boot-licking. 

"You're really awesome, you know that right?" Taylor suddenly said while looking at me with a soft gaze. I was confused and then brought her hand upwards and kissed the back of her palm. 

She was a bit startled and looked around instantly, making sure that no one had seen it.

"Hey! Stop that!" She said, but she didn't release her hand, and still kept a bright smile on her face.

Then, we were called to the interview stage, and we decided to go and had the interview together. 

The interviewer – Kate Moss, kept an unnatural smile on her face as she asked her question, "So, Edward Newgate? What are you wearing today?"

The camera recorded my dashing black–indigo suit and a small cape on my left shoulder, mimicking the appearance of mediaeval shoulder armour. The design had captured the eyes of the designers in the show, making them constantly approach me.

"Oh. This is a collaboration between myself, and Haley Dunphy – My own personal designer." I replied. A hint of jealousy could be seen in Taylor's eyes, but she kept smiling as she waited her turn.

"Wait, you did this yourself?" Kate Moss was surprised and her face changed for the first time. She then touched the suit slightly and was thoroughly impressed.

"No, we work together." I replied, stressing Haley's contributions. 

She's going to need a lot of prestige if she wants to venture into this industry later on. Without sufficient backing and reputation, she could only start with an assistant level job, and most of her effort would be swallowed by her boss during her first years. 

"Oh. Haley Dunphy is also the one who designed your outfit for the Vogue Magazine photoshoot right? Any chance we could see her collection soon?" Kate Moss asked in a polite manner after getting the hint.

"She still needs a little bit more practice, but soon." I replied with a smile.

"And how about you Taylor?" Kate Moss turned to the girl beside me, "What are you wearing today?"

After the initial greetings, Kate Moss asked about the show.

"It was great. Versace did a great job in creating the simple fit design. However it still lacks representation in today's show."

Kate Moss's eyes lit up as she loved controversial topics. "Why do you think so?"

I was referring to a more diverse body shape and disabilities– and mostly talked about body positivity. 

"Sooo…what's going on with you two?" Kate Moss changed the subject and asked about the both of us mischievously. We turned to look at each other and laughed before avoiding the question. 

Our interview became the longest interview shown on broadcast, and the impact wasn't small. 

"Good grief, that was long." Taylor commented after we finished the interview.

"Good grief? What are you? Charlie Brown?" I teased. She laughed a bit before pinching my arm.

"Finally, you'd cheered up a bit. What happened? Why are you so upset today?" I asked as I rubbed the sore spot. 

She was a bit defensive, "I'm not upset. Maybe you're the one who's upset."

"I am. A little bit." I said while pretending to be pitiful. Taylor felt guilty and tried to ask, "Wait? Really? What happened?"

"You happened." I replied, causing her to be taken aback. She asked quickly, her face ashen, "Is this about the contract-"

"You're here, being so beautiful in your red dress, but I had to sit so far away from you And no, nothing is wrong with the contract. I estimate that you can get out of it in less than a week, before my tour starts."

"That's impossible!" She almost shouted, causing the crowd to turn their heads to look at us for a moment. 

"Huh? It's not. Wait, the decisive moment is here— Hey Mr Hendricks."

A thin old man with a glorious twice swirled moustache and a golden suit walked towards us. Taylor froze on the spot seeing the man, but I was excited. 

Taylor's reaction was normal. After all, he is currently the owner, and the President of her entertainment company.

He looked at me contemptuously as I was holding hands with Taylor, but his gaze changed into a friendly uncle as he looked at Taylor. "Taylor dear, can you excuse us for a while?"

"Ummm…Ummm…" Taylor stammered and her eyes darted between me and the President. I smiled as I saw her reaction and said, "Hey, I think Pepper needs some help? Why don't you go to him?"

"Ummm….Okay?" Taylor answered meekly before she walked away hesitantly. She kept looking back a few times, and almost bumped into other people there. 

Both the President and I smiled and waved at her slowly, as if saying there was nothing to be worried about. But when she had reached Pepper, we both turned to each other with a solemn look on our faces. 

"Let's talk in a more private setting." The old man said in a cold manner. 

"Fine by me." I replied casually. 

Both of us went out of the venue and entered the lift together. We went to the rooftop where dozens of his armed guards were waiting, as if to strike terror in my very being before the negotiations today.

"I'll be honest. I don't like you." Hendricks said. "But your plan is great."

"No need to feel guilty about it. The feeling's mutual." I replied, not backing down or showing any signs of weaknesses. 

"You're rash, immature, greedy for money, and also a horny teenage boy. Now, you're implicating an innocent girl just because you're thinking with your penis."

Hypocritical, especially coming from the guy who wanted to sabotage my career to keep Taylor.

"I can say confidently that my penis is smarter than half of the people in this country. Hell, it might even have more brain cells than them."

"See. Immature." Hendricks scoffed contemptuously at the joke. "How could I leave her in your hands when I don't see a shred of decency in you?"

"You cannot see my decency, but you can see my ability. You already investigated me right?" I asked. Hendricks was silently confirming what I had guessed, and his eyes were looking at me condescendingly.

"From growing a business, or creating profits, I didn't lack any of it. I admit that I lack influence in this industry, but it won't be a big problem for me to get that. All I need is some time."

"So, you want Taylor to get more profit for your company?" Hendricks asked angrily. His armed guards walked closer towards me, as if wanting to put pressure on me. 

"I want Taylor because I like her as a person." I replied, shutting down his accusation instantly. 

"Then you can just be with her, not gambling with her entire career by acting like an entitled brat?" He sneered. 

I shook my head as I no longer wanted to play with him. "Don't try to play me for a fool. We both know why you're really here." I said, stopping the farce. 

Hendricks became solemn and said to the guards behind him, "Leave us."

Then, he said authoritatively, "I have to admit, you're really a genius at making money."

I lured him here today by giving him financial advice, which basically doubled his investment in a short period of time. However, I myself didn't follow the plan.

Despite the success, my source of information was from monitoring the politician's chats and tapping their phone to find their internal trading plan. It was definitely illegal to do, but it was necessary for my future plans.

"How much money a mere Entertainment agency can make?" I said with a slight chuckle. "Especially when the artist no longer has the intention of working for you." 

Hendricks furrowed his brows and I continued, "But, I can make you much much more. Of course, this is all within a year's time."

"So you want me to sell you Taylor's rights, for your personal help in my financial growth?" He asked coldly.

"That is your aim isn't it? If not, you won't even be here today." I replied casually. 

"And how should I know you're not going to make me bankrupt?" He asked in a cold manner. 

"You don't. The only thing that could stop me…is your decision today." I replied. "We both know words mean nothing to people like us. So it's a gamble." 

He thought for a while, but the temptation was too great. And from his investigations, he already knew how Entertain grew big in a short period of time, and how much money we had made right now. 

The company grew too fast that a lot of people were keeping an eye on the company, waiting for the time for it to go public. However, I have no intention of sharing the executive decisions of the company, or letting others have a share in it. 

Hendricks finally decided to release Taylor, as right now, she was only going to do the company more harm than good. 

"Alright, let's terminate the contract." He said. "But, if you go back on your words, you know what will happen to you." He gestured to his bodyguards, and they turned to intimidate me with their firearms.

I laughed and said, "Don't worry. As long as you keep your words, I'll keep mine." 

After I integrated the [Charisma of Wicked Wisdom], I found myself easily getting the trust of people with bad personality and those who were mentally unstable. However, it could only be activated when they meet me face to face. That's why I had to lure this guy out today.

"Tell Greg I can't make it to his Gala." Hendricks said after giving me the signed contract that signifies Taylor's free artist status. 

"You mean, Gregory Versace?" I widened my eyes in disbelief as I heard it. I gave him a USB stick, in which he smiled greedily as he snatched it from my hand.

"Yes, or is it too hard for you?" He asked, trying to get back into his character as a kind old man. 

"Nah. I can do that." I shrugged. 

I waved the sly old man goodbye as he hopped on a black helicopter that was waiting for him. Then, as they were flying off my wig flew off too because of the wind, causing me to curse. "Damn it!"

"But I am really lucky. That guy didn't notice that he had fallen into my trap." I mumbled to myself as I stroked my hair backward. It changed into a stylish hairstyle without any products needed, and I walked back to the venue. 

The more Hendricks followed my advice, the more dependent he would be on me. And when he finally realised that he had fallen into a quagmire of illegal insider trading, it would be too late and there would be nothing he could do at that time. 

'I'll show Taylor the contract after the event tonight to surprise her.' I thought to myself. 

…

After meeting Gregory, I was actually dragged backstage by that guy as he COULDN'T STOP TALKING! 

I could see why Hendricks ran away quickly. He must be a long term victim of this guy.

"And as you can see, this season's collection focused on simplicity." Gregory said as he barged into the models' changing room without even knocking. 

They were changing their clothes and were half–naked while smoking cigarettes and snorting all sorts of stuff. All of them were startled by Gregory's sudden presence there and were scrambling. 

They pushed the substances away to hide them before standing facing Gregory without any top on. I was a bit startled when I saw their reaction, but Gregory didn't even react to it.

He just scoffed and said to a beautiful brown skinned model with a bob-cut hair beside us, "Maybe instead of hiding it, you should wipe your nose instead."

The model was embarrassed and she turned around to clean up her nose quickly.

"Sorry Edward, I've shown you such a pathetic scene." Gregory apologised.

"Oh, that's okay. I'm used to it." I replied.

Gregory then nodded with a disappointed look on his face, "That's…sad."

I nodded and followed him to go and see the designers, but Gregory had an important call and said, "Wait here. I'll be right back."

"Sure." I replied. I didn't know why he was bringing me around and introducing me to everyone, but I guess it has something to do with Taylor's agency president. He knew exactly what I needed, therefore he gave me a helping hand.

However, as I was left alone in the model's changing room, the models' gaze turned coquettish and precocious. They started clamouring and encircling me like a pack of vultures.

"Oh my god. He's so cute!" one of the models said.

"Edward? I'm your fan. Can you sign my boobs?" A topless European model with only panties on propped her breast towards me as she gave me a marker.

"Ed, you want a hit?" Some models returned to making 'lines' before snorting them, and offered me some.

"Hey! He's still a young boy!" One of the older models hugged me from behind to stop me – even though I had no intention of taking the offer.

"So what? Drew Barrymore started cocaine at 12 years old." The model who offered scoffed before returning to her cocaine.

I shook my head and said, "The only drug I've ever taken is caffeine. Also, get a piece of paper if you want me to sign it!"

The models laughed from my reaction. Some of them kept poking my cheek as 'I was just such a cute boyyy' , which irked me a lot. But I still kept my cool as I gave them the autographs and also took a few pictures with them.

Then, my attention turned to a young, Swedish girl that was sitting alone at the makeup table. I saw her smiling to herself as she took out a piece of candy and ate it hiddenly after finishing her runway walk, before bursting into tears.

My mind became chaotic and I was taken aback for a while. 'Ah, this fucking crazy industry.' I cursed in my mind before walking towards that girl.