CHAPTER 14: ALISHA QUINN

Eva walked into the Veila Tower with Maxine beside her.

Veila brand was third in the most popular brand in the whole of Lexora. Since she was going to take back her throne as the iconic model she was a year ago, she needed to start small. But Maxine being well known in the entertainment industry pursued her to start big.

She already knew the drill, all she needed was a clear plan. And the new face campaign that was released a few days ago was the perfect opportunity.

The interior had changed slightly since Eva had come to Veila company before she’d signed her deal with Eleoquise. The elegant silver-and-gold chandelier in the center of the lobby was still there, but the massive poster that once showcased her as the face of the previous Veila campaign years ago—front and center, right at the entrance—was gone, replaced with Katherine’s picture.

A subtle ache pinched her chest, but she swallowed it down.

"I guess they’re moving on," Eva muttered quietly.

Maxine glanced at her. "Then we’ll remind them who built this place’s damn image."

They stepped inside confidently. Eva’s heels clicked with poise, matching Maxine’s.

Maxine had always warned her about Katherine. "That girl is a snake in silk," she’d said. And she was right.

"Everyone should be waiting upstairs," Maxine said now, her voice cool and focused as the elevator doors opened.

Eva nodded.

They rode the glass elevator up to the top floor where the auditions were being held. On the way, Eva stared out at the skyline of Lexora. The city was as cold and fast-paced as ever. But she wasn’t intimidated.

The elevator doors parted with a soft chime, revealing the Veila conference floor. Bright lights flooded the hallway, and the sound of muffled chatter echoed as they approached the large double doors of the meeting room.

Eva paused before entering, took a deep breath, and walked in.

The room was packed. Girls of all shades, heights, and personalities stood in small groups with their managers, all hoping to stand next to the new face of Veila, Katherine. Some were nervously checking their makeup in pocket mirrors. Others rehearsed their walk in their heels. Everyone had the same goal.

But only one woman would be lucky enough.

The room buzzed with excitement. Veila wasn’t just any brand. It was the brand—one the most influential in the entire region, and even beyond.

Eleoquise was more difficult to get accepted in so more people went to Veila. Even so, hard work needed to be out in their performance before they were taken into consideration. Becoming their face was more than a modeling gig. It was a golden ticket to fame, wealth, and respect. Everyone wanted it. Everyone prayed for it.

Eva’s eyes scanned the room and settled on one particular figure.

Katherine.

She stood at the far end of the room, talking to Bethany—a girl with cotton-candy pink hair and soft, pastel makeup that made her look like she belonged in a fairytale.

Bethany was Katherine’s closest friend, a C-list model who was still in the middle of climbing the ladders to fame.

Eva studied Katherine with narrowed eyes. Two years ago, she had helped Katherine get her first audition. She’d introduced her to Maxine. But Maxine had seen right through her.

Eva clenched her jaw.

Across the room, as if sensing the weight of Eva’s stare, Katherine turned. Her eyes met Eva’s—no, Alisha’s—and paused.

She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing.

That face...

Katherine couldn’t place it, but something about Alisha’s presence unsettled her.

Before she could investigate further, the sharp sound of heels on marble echoed through the room, followed by the arrival of a woman in a sleek black power suit.

The CEO of Veila had arrived.

Her name was Megan. Her smile was welcoming, graceful, and warm—all a mask for her famously cutthroat professionalism. Still, Eva had always admired her. She commanded attention with ease.

"Ladies," Megan greeted with a clap. "Welcome to Veila. Thank you all for signing up for our upcoming campaign."

A ripple of polite applause followed.

"Katherine here, the face of our brand will represent us in three international ads, two runway shows, and our annual gala event. But we’ve decided to give out an empty spot to a lucky someone who can thrive alongside her." The girls all clapped, while some whistled while showering Katherine lots of love and compliments which caused her to blush from ear to ear.

Alisha couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

"You’ve all been chosen to participate in the preliminary round based on your profiles, recommendations, and portfolios," Megan continued.

The girls around the room buzzed with excitement.

"But let me be clear," Megan added, her voice shifting into something more commanding. "Only one woman will be lucky enough to walk alongside Katherine Cross in this campaign. This won’t be easy. We’ll judge you based on your walk, your poses, your photogenic appeal, your adaptability—and most importantly, your attitude and determination. There will be weekly eliminations. If you’re not picked, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented. It simply means you’re not what we need right now. Understood?"

Another round of nervous clapping. Some smiles faded.

"Katherine Cross will be the first to walk on the runway, so take notes ladies."

Katherine stepped out of her seat, walking elegantly towards the runway. She stepped on it with her five inch heels so gracefully the girls started to wonder how she could control herself from falling off.

Alisha knew how. She’d been the one who’d taken some time out of her schedule to teach Katherine how to walk on the runway.

Now that she thought about it, Katherine wanted to steal everything she owned. Starting from her husband to her career. She wanted it all.

Katherine walked like she owned the stage, the kind of catwalk that made people mesmerized with her movements. Her hips swayed from side to side as she reached the edge and struck a pose. The photographer took a picture, nodding in satisfaction.

Alisha couldn’t deny that Katherine had improved over the past year. But she believed she could do better.

It had taken her almost ten years to gain her popularity. It only took Katherine three years but she had more experience so she wasn’t going to back out now.

The girls whistled at Katherine for her performance and she responded with a big smile on her lips.

"You’ve done this before," Maxine whispered into Alisha’s ear. "This is your playground. You’re going to eat them alive."

Alisha nodded slowly. "It shouldn’t be hard."

Maxine smirked. "Good. Because you’re first on the list."

Right on cue, someone called out, "Alisha Quinn!"

Alisha raised her hand, her red-painted nails glinting under the lights. "That’s me."

All heads turned to her.

She felt their stares.

Her beauty was undeniable. Even before the surgery, she was stunning. But now, she was ethereal—like a goddess reborn. A sharp jawline, sculpted cheekbones, skin that seemed to glow under the light, and lips the color of crushed cherries.

Megan returned to the room, clipboard in hand, eyes widening slightly as she laid eyes on Alisha. The reaction lasted just a second before she regained her poise.

"The runway is yours."