CHAPTER SEVEN ~ MAKING CONNECTIONS

The grand hall housed an abundant display of fashion's finest, with gold chandeliers casting a warm glow over the room. The walls were draped in rich velvet, and a runway extended through the center, illuminated by soft, ethereal lights. The air was thick with the scent of high-end perfume, a mix of floral and musk that whispered luxury.

Always the attention lover, Violet was a vision of elegance, wearing a crimson silk gown that clung to her trim cures and flowed behind like liquid fire. The dress was adorned with delicate black lace at the hem and neckline, adding a touch of vintage sophistication to her look. Her hair cascaded down her back in dark waves, and her eyes were accentuated by smoky makeup, making her blue-green eyes stand out more. Matching crimson lipstick completed her look as well as diamond statement accessories.

She sat at the front row beside Eric who was impeccably dressed in a tailored charcoal suit that clung to him perfectly. They were strategically positioned near the runway's edge for an unobstructed view of the upcoming show.

"thank you for letting me be your plus one," Violet said as her hands touched Eric's suit-clad arms softly.

He looked down at the hands on his arms, then raised his head and returned her smile. He was about to say more when the creative director walked up to him to say hi which kept him occupied he didn't see the small smile that grazed Violet's lips. Violet knew meeting Justin Montgomery would be a walk in the park if she could succeed in being on good terms with Eric.

"Hi Eric" a voice familiar voice called causing Violet to turn around from watching the stage, her eyebrows shot up and she wondered what a coincidence it was that Amanda Sterling was walking towards them in a black sequined dress and silver thigh-high boots, her black hair pulled away from her face in a low ponytail, silver bag –a limited edition that had wanted but had been sold out since only three had been made- dangling from her hands.

"she looks so pretty," someone said

"like she's one of the models or designers" another chipped in

Violet turned quickly as Eric stood up his face lighting up like he had just been informed that he had won an opportunity to be an immortal.

"Amanda, I thought you wouldn't make it," Eric said as Violet got near giving her an air kiss like they had been childhood friends.

"don't get smart with me, I told you I wouldn't, didn't I" Amanda smiled sweetly smacking him playfully on the shoulders.

"you can't blame me for doubting you, after all, it's so unlike you to come to something like this even though you always get invited all the time" Eric commented shrugging.

Amanda pretended to look sternly at Eric as she took the seat beside him. "I'm here now aren't I?"

"you are," he said smiling fondly at her, a throat clearing had him turning to the source, and then he remembered he hadn't come alone. "Oh pardon my manners," he said looking apologetic as he made the introductions.

"oh hi, Violet" Amanda greeted looking truly surprised to see Violet. To onlookers, she looked genuinely surprised but she had known from information gathered that Violet had found a way to get close to Eric. She knew what Violet's plan was; after all, you couldn't live with someone for that long and not know what they were like. Her step-sister loved to get her way at all cost, she was going to use that knowledge to her advantage.

"nice to meet you again Amanda" Violet replied her lips poised in a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "How do you two know each other?" she asked.

Eric was about to respond when Amanda cut him off, responding instead. "we go way back" she said remaining vague on purpose.

Curiosity killed the cat Amanda thought, she was very ready to see this particular cat die of curiosity.

From the look on Violet's face, it was very obvious she had succeeded. For someone who liked to know everything, Violet never liked to be kept in the dark, it always ate at her.

Soon they were focusing as the light dimmed signaling the beginning of the show. Models strutted down the runway in Prada's latest creations that left guests wowed. The crowd applauded, appreciatively. Amanda watched Violet from the corner of her eyes move her hands down Eric's arm suggestively several times in playful gestures, even though he didn't seem to acknowledge her. Smiling slowly, Amanda was happy with the way things were going, if she played her cards well, she was sure to get enough dirt on her.

"That was spectacular" Violet exclaimed like a child who had just received her first toy, causing Eric to grin widely. They stood at the entrance waiting for the valet to bring their cars. She had never been to a fashion show before even though she walked around covered in the latest fashion pieces all the time.

"Yes, it was. You can be my plus one to their next showcase in Paris" Eric offered

"That wou-"

"How's your mother-in-law?" Amanda cut in, in case Violet had forgotten she was married.

Violet turned to Amanda, and the tilt of her lips looked like a predator seeking out its prey. "she's fine" she answered.

Why the hell had Amanda chosen to mention the old bat she thought.

Their car arrived separately and they got in and drove off, each person going their separate way.

Seraphina stared at her side mirror as she took a left turn getting into traffic. She had Violet had planned to meet at the Swiss club tomorrow and as much as she didn't fancy being in the same space with her, she needed things to work. She had spoken to a shareholder recently; he had informed her company's succession was to be held in three months. Three years of planning had to count for something right?

*****&&&&&*****

"I can't wear that," Judy said as she stared at the rainbow-colored two-piece in distaste.

She was currently at TRACY a high-end fashion brand that had paid her for a promotion. As one of the most successful social media influencers, she was always sorted out by luxurious brands. She had dedicated followers who always bought whatever she advertised hence the reason why she was the top in the business.

"why Judy, we agreed" her manager, Nancy said, her voice quivering as she tried to keep her nerves. They had been at this for the last five minutes and Judy was still not bulging. They couldn't refund the cloth because the five hundred dollar deal they had signed stipulated that they had to go with whatever design the brand chose.

Nancy couldn't understand why Judy was being difficult when all she had to do was put on the two-piece and pose for a picture.

"That's the same outfit Serena advertised, so no" She popped her legs on the coffee table and lifted her phone as she began to take selfies.

Nancy sighed frustrated, working with Judy was very tiring, she always acted like a spoilt princess with a trust fund. Being a Whitmore always made her move around with a stick tucked up her ass. Everyone knew she was a spoilt brat hence the reason she had earned the name 'trust fund bitch'

 If they don't follow through with the shoot today, they will get sued.

Judy didn't care if she was being an ass, she couldn't tolerate her followers putting her in the same category as Serena, an upcoming influencer with about five hundred-plus followers who had risen to fame for posting about her cat.

She had just posted a selfie with the caption 'face card never declines' when a text came in from a spam account. She was about to block it when a picture came in. She paled immediately her hands gripping her phone like it could break and the image would disappear.

Judy was on her feet immediately, as she headed towards the door like someone crazed, as Nancy yelled her name repeatedly.

How was the only thing on her mind as she dialed her sister…