CHAPTER 37: DONE AND DUSTED

Katherine’s eyes snapped to Maxine, the words sinking into her like a sting. Worthy? She had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from blurting something she might regret. The way Maxine had phrased it flipped the entire hierarchy on its head.

It didn’t make sense, and the sheer audacity of it made Katherine’s fingers itch. Her gaze flicked to the bottled water on the table, and for one dangerous second, she pictured herself hurling it right into Maxine’s perfectly composed face.

But she didn’t. Not yet.

Maxine’s faint grin told Katherine everything she needed to know, the woman was doing this deliberately. She was baiting her, waiting for her to crack.

"I don’t think that’s needed," Stella, Katherine’s manager, said sharply, glaring at Maxine. "Katherine is a top model in Lexora. She shouldn’t have to walk with nobody like Alisha."

Alisha’s lips twitched, but she didn’t give Stella the satisfaction of a reaction.

"Watch your tongue now, Stella," Allison said suddenly, her tone stern, cutting into the conversation like the crack of a whip. "Alisha may be a rookie, but she isn’t just any rookie. She has great potential, and if properly invested in, she could surpass Katherine."

Katherine’s chest tightened. The words hit harder than she expected. Surpass her? Surpass her? She’d worked years to get where she was. There was no way this quiet, doe-eyed girl could just waltz in and overtake her.

But Stella wasn’t done. She leaned forward, her voice calm but laced with disdain. "Before we signed the contract with this brand, it was stated that Katherine would be the model to advertise your new jewelry collection," she said, shifting her gaze to Nix, the CEO, and her lawyer.

Nix remained calm, her fingers tapping lightly on the table as if she’d been expecting this argument. Her lawyer, however, moved quickly, retrieving a document from his bag.

"This is the exact contract Katherine signed," he said, flipping through the pages before sliding it across the table. "It does not state she would be the only model for the collection. It clearly mentions she may have to work with others if someone suitable is found. Which is why this meeting was called, to reach an agreement."

A flicker of triumph crossed Maxine’s face, but Stella’s eyes narrowed.

"Well, we don’t agree at all," Stella snapped. "Katherine shouldn’t have to stress over someone like Alisha."

Alisha sighed inwardly. Stella was acting like this was some heroic defense of Katherine’s rights, but it was starting to sound more like an overprotective parent at a school competition.

"If you don’t want to have an agreement," Nix said calmly, still not even sparing Stella a direct look, "Then we will have to terminate our contract with Katherine Cross, and all penalties will be paid in full."

The words landed like a bomb.

"What?" Katherine’s voice cracked slightly. She didn’t usually show emotion in negotiations, but the threat hit too close to home. Nix’s influence wasn’t limited to Lexora, her brand had reached across multiple cities. Losing this contract would be a public embarrassment, and worse, a career setback she couldn’t afford.

Maxine seized the opening. "I’ve already suggested a solution to this since you have a problem with it," she said smoothly. "Let’s have a photoshoot test. But you’ve declined. Are you scared my model will outshine yours, Stella?"

Alisha bit her tongue hard, suppressing the laugh bubbling in her chest. Maxine had a razor-sharp tongue and a knack for delivering her lines as though she’d rehearsed them in a mirror.

"If you do not agree to the photoshoot test," Nix added, finally rising from her chair, "Then I’m afraid I will have to terminate the contract."

That was the breaking point. Katherine’s pulse hammered. She couldn’t and wouldn’t let her pride cost her such a high-profile campaign. Even if she hated the idea of sharing the spotlight, she hated the thought of losing it entirely even more.

"Let’s have the photoshoot test," Katherine said finally, her voice tight.

There was no time for second thoughts. The staff scrambled to prepare the setup, calling in a photographer at short notice. Lights were adjusted, backdrops wheeled into place, and a large fan was set at the ready.

"These are the artificial pieces of the collection," a staff member said, handing Alisha a jewelry box.

Inside was a golden bangle adorned with emerald diamonds, the gems arranged to mimic the pattern of a reptile’s scales. Even though it was a mock piece for the shoot, it shimmered under the studio lights. Alisha traced a finger over the smooth curve of the metal, her lips curving slightly.

"Everyone ready?" the photographer barked, irritation slipping through. Being called last-minute wasn’t his favorite part of the job.

Alisha slipped the bangle onto her wrist and moved toward the camera, where Katherine already stood, posture rigid and face carefully composed.

"Both of you are about the same height. Excellent," the photographer noted, adjusting his cap and squinting into his lens. "Alisha, stand in front of Katherine. Bend into a half squat, lean your weight on your hand with the jewelry. Katherine, place your hand lightly on Alisha’s head. Think elegant, not domineering."

The two models moved into position. The fan kicked on, sending their hair into soft motion. The camera shutter clicked in rapid succession.

Then, the photographer paused. His brows drew together.

"Katherine, your face is too puffy when you smile," he said. "Relax it a little."

Katherine inhaled sharply through her nose but complied, adjusting her expression.

The shutter clicked again, but his frown deepened. "You’ve done this before. Just... relax. Natural. You’re forcing it."

The tension in Katherine’s jaw was visible now. She knew the implication, if she didn’t nail this look, Nix might see Alisha as the stronger choice. And with Allison’s earlier comment about Alisha’s potential, that thought burned hotter than any studio light.

Alisha, meanwhile, held her pose effortlessly, the corner of her lips curved just enough to look natural. Inside, though, she was grinning.

"Okay, that’s enough," the photographer finally said, lowering his camera. "Katherine, you need to work on your natural look. You can’t smile in every single shot. And Alisha—" he paused, his eyes lighting up, "—you’re bright. I love the fire in your eyes. I’ve seen it before, but I can’t place where."

Alisha’s smile didn’t waver. She knew exactly when he’d seen it. It was years ago, when she was still Eva. She’d worked with him before.

"And your beauty," he added, "Is unlike anything I’ve seen before."

Katherine’s nails dug into her palm. The praise felt like a slap. But as she stood there, a slow grin spread across her lips. An idea was forming, one that might just turn the tables in her favor.