Chapter 12 Top Model

• Paxton and Ryleigh went into a cold war after the slapping incident. Luckily, things went back to normal after they calmed down.
• One fine day, Paxton offered to bring Ryleigh to Primose Sky, the most luxurious banquet centre in Karovia. The interior boasted polished marble floors and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provided an abundance of natural light. A dazzling crystal chandelier hung from a high golden ceiling. The place was shaped like a palace, and only the elites in the business and political and business realm could patronise.
• Ryleigh had never attended events of such scale. The place was packed with media, with lights and cameras flashing almost every second. She took a deep breath and thought to herself, no wonder Paxton ordered me to change my clothes. This is so different from the other dinner parties.
• When Paxton walked past, all the media stopped taking photographs. Everyone in the industry knew that one could only take photos of Paxton if he agreed to it. Anyone who was caught secretly taking photos of Paxton could potentially lose their job or disappear from Karovia the next day. The reporters dared not attempt to take photos of Paxton even though they were surprised to see that he was accompanied by a gorgeous woman. After all, Paxton had always attended such events alone.
• Ryleigh followed Paxton to the main hall. The moment they arrived, everyone turned their attention to Ryleigh. Radiant with her flawless skin and slender body, the pale pink gown clung to her every curve. She looked like a goddess with her attractive looks and graceful demeanour. Everyone in the room was curious about her identity.
• “Who is she? Why is she here with Paxton?”
• “She’s so beautiful, why haven’t I seen her before?
• As soon as Paxton walked into the hall, a few politicians stepped forward to give him a warm welcome. Ryleigh knew her place and stood aside patiently.
• Two well-dressed socialites edged closer to Ryleigh for a closer look. Noticing her outfit, they asked Ryleigh in astonishment, “Wow! Isn’t this the latest outfit by the chief designer from Titan Wilox? It’s custom-made!”
• Her friend added, “I thought that it isn’t for sale yet. How did you manage to buy it?”
• Ryleigh never liked to discuss such matters. She smiled slightly and replied, “You’re mistaken. This is a counterfeit product.”
• Not knowing how to respond to her comment, the two socialites could only give an awkward laugh. They thought to themselves, I can’t be wrong. I have seen the display piece many times. I’m so envious of her!
• The waiters in the ballroom were impeccably dressed in a black suit, weaving through the crowd holding trays of drinks. Ryleigh casually took a glass of champagne when the waiter passed by.
• Just then, a woman with thick makeup and dressed in a flaming red dress slowly walked over to Ryleigh. Her straps were as thin as pencils and the neckline left little to the imagination. She was none other than Merlyn Sandel, a top model from an affluent family. Sandel Entertainment was one of the most reputable companies in Karovia.
• Merlyn stood in front of Ryleigh and took her in head to toe. With a menacing glare, she asked, “Who are you?”
• Wary about the stranger before her, Ryleigh replied flatly, “There’s no need for you to know.”
• “You!” Merlyn bellowed, her face distorted. No one ever dared show slightest disrespect toward her. “Don’t you know who I am? How dare you answer me this way!”
• Ryleigh lifted her eyebrow and shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are. I’m not interested to find out anyway.”
• Anger rose in Merlyn like a tide as she fumed inwardly, this woman is so arrogant! She had always taken extra care to maintain a courteous, self-restrained demeanor. However, Merlyn was now quivering with anger and she could no longer control her temper.
• “What a bitch! Why were you with Mr. Lev? How are you related to him?” Merlyn demanded. She had been pestering Paxton since she was young. Yet, the man showed no interest and instructed her to keep one foot away from him at all times. Needless to say, Paxton had never invited Merlyn to dinner parties before. Hence, she wanted to find out why Ryleigh deserved Paxton’s attention.
• “Oh.” Ryleigh intentionally dragged on her response. After pausing for a moment, she continued, “Listen carefully, I’m…”